Cannellini Beans with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Here's a simple, Tuscan-inspired vegetarian/vegan recipe that's packed with protein and iron. Cannellini beans are also called white kidney beans, and while being similar in nutrition to dark kidney beans I find the flavor of cannellini to be milder.

As written below and shown in the photo, my cannellini with spinach & sundried tomatoes recipe is vegan. If you eat cheese, you can add some grated parmigiano cheese. Non-vegetarian additions that would add texture and flavor include crumbled bacon or grilled shrimp.

You can make this recipe in less than 15 minutes, and it as a side for two to four people, or as an entree for two with pasta, rice or even quinoa. And you can double it or adjust the seasoning amounts to suit your needs.

Ingredients
1 can (15.5 oz) cannellini or white kidney beans, drained & rinsed
1 Tbs olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 to 3 oz. fresh baby spinach
1 Tbs sun-dried tomatoes cut into strips (drain if using oil-packed tomatoes; reconstitute if using dried)
1 Tbs aged balsamic vinegar OR red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp dried basil (or 1/2 Tbs chopped fresh basil)
Salt & Pepper to taste (I use Kosher salt & cracked black pepper)

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat, then saute the onion & garlic until softened and the onion is translucent.  Add the beans and sundried tomatoes, and cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. Add the spinach, vinegar, basil, salt & pepper, stir to combine, then cover, reduce heat to low and let cook a few minutes until spinach is just wilted. Serve hot.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

PS: If you're a vegetarian or are interested in vegetarian or vegan cooking, make sure to "like" us on Facebook because the second Monday of every month is Meatless Monday at the Carolina Sauce Company on Facebook, beginning today! And if you're a carnivore looking for meat, seafood & poultry recipes, you'll be happy to know that we celebrate Meaty Mondays on Facebook on all other Mondays.