BBQ-Flavored White Beans with Vegan Sausage & Spinach

I fully admit that this recipe for BBQ-flavored white bean with vegan sausage and spinach says “emergency dinner!” But it’s  hearty, high in protein, and best of all, ready for the table in about 20 minutes. After some long busy days, a main dish like one is a godsend, and it never disappoints.

For the beans, you have a choice of Great Northern or cannellini beans, and there are several great varieties of vegan sausage that you can find in well-stocked supermarket, shelved in the refrigerated section near tofu and other plant-based proteins.

Complete the meal: Serve white beans with vegan sausage & spinach with an easy salad or slaw. A perfect companion is Colorful Cabbage Salad (with tomatoes, carrots & olives). Another good option: Apple Pistachio Salad. Or, simply put together a simple tossed salad of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, and carrots.

Why I love this recipe (and hope you will, too)

• Vegan sausage is a great source of protein: an average link provides 25 grams (depending on brand).
• It uses just a few easily obtainable ingredients.
• A hearty dinner will be on the table in 20 minutes or so!

Vegan sausage brands: Beyond, Field Roast, Gardein, Morningstar Farms, No Evil, Tofurky, and The Very Good Butchers all make excellent vegan sausage in an array of flavors and varieties. You may find store brands as well. 

Recipe is from Vegan Express by Nava Atlas. Photos by Hannah Kaminsky, BittersweetBlog.com.

Explore more …

• Bountiful Recipes Using Vegan Sausage
• Vegan Recipes Using Cannellini and Great Northern Beans
• Flavorful and Easy Baby Spinach Recipes

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Yield: 4 to 6

BBQ-Flavored White Beans with Vegan Sausage & Spinach

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This quick dish featuring vegan sausage, white beans, and baby spinach is hearty, high in protein, and best of all, ready for the table in about 20 minutes. 

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced, optional
• 14-ounce package vegan sausage, sliced about 1/2 inch thick
• Two 15-ounce cans Great Northern, or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup natural barbecue sauce, any plant-based variety, or as desired
• 4 to 5 ounces fresh baby spinach

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a wide skillet or stir-fry pan. Add the onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add the garlic and sausage; continue to sauté, stirring frequently, until everything is golden, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the beans and barbecue sauce. Cook until piping hot, about 4 minutes.
4. Add the spinach and cover. When it wilts down a bit, stir it in. Continue to cook for just a minute or so longer. Serve at once.

Notes

Swap in arugula for the baby spinach (or use half and half), or use baby power greens.

Explore lots more plant-based main dishes.