Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon

Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon is so easy to make, and you can use it many different ways! I love to enjoy it on toast, with rice, or just in a bowl by itself.

I photographed this recipe last year and almost didn’t post it because it’s kinda one of those no-recipe recipes, but I find myself making it all the time, so I figured it was time to share! There’s something so simple, yet delicious about this Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon!

Do you enjoy strong flavors? I love them. The more garlic and lemon, the better. Those flavors are what gives this meal so much zing and will having you making it again and again.

Garlicky Kale, White Beans and Lemon Ingredients and Substitutions 

• Kale – I have made this recipe using both curly kale and Dino kale. Both taste delicious but I think I slightly prefer the Dino kale because it has a slightly better texture. If you don’t like kale, or don’t have any, you could also use spinach, mustard greens or collard greens. Really, just your favorite green that can stand up to heat.
• White Beans – White beans are soft and creamy without adding too much of their own flavor. They go great with this recipe and I don’t usually use any other type of bean. If you prefer, you could use chickpeas, butter beans, black beans, pinto beans, etc…
• Onion – Onion and garlic just go so well together when cooked up in the same pan. You can use any color onion you like, or even a shallot.
• Garlic – Garlic really makes this dish so flavorful! You can use as much or as little as you want. I usually use about 3 cloves because I love garlic.
• Lemon – You can also use as much or as little lemon as you like. I use a lot! I love the acidity it adds and it goes well with the garlic.
• Salt and Pepper – Salt and pepper are the only seasonings you need. They really help highlight all the other delicious flavors.

How To Make Garlicky Kale

This recipe is really easy to make and there are just a few steps.

1. Start by adding a bit of oil to a pan, add in your onion, and cook until browned and softened.
2. Then throw in your garlic and cook for another few minutes until fragrant.
3. Add in your beans, kale and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper and cook until everything is heated through. I don’t like to cook my kale too much; I like it to hold its texture and have a little bite to it, but by all means, cook yours to your preference.

Suggestions On How To Enjoy Your Garlicky Kale and White Beans

• Honestly, I usually end up standing over the pan with a fork and eating it that way because it’s so good!
• On Toast – Sometimes, I’ll make some good sourdough toast with a little vegan butter and then top it with the garlicky kale, white beans and lemon mixture. It’s great for breakfast or lunch.
• With Rice – Another way I like to eat my garlicky kale is in a bowl with some rice. It helps make it a great meal for lunch or dinner.

How would you eat this Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon?

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

• How should I store it if I have leftovers?  In an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Can I freeze it? I wouldn’t suggest freezing it because the kale might lose its texture, but you could always try!
• Can I use a green other than kale? Yes! I suggest any green that can stand up to heat, such as spinach, collard greens, mustard greens, beet greens.
• Can I use a different bean than white beans? Yes! You can really use any kind of bean you like. I prefer a bean with a mild taste.

Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below and I will get back to you ASAP.

Looking For More Delicious Kale Recipes?

Sunshine Kale Salad

Chopped Kale Power Salad

Lemony Pasta with Kale

The Best Kale Chips

Kale Caesar Salad Pitas

Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Author: She Likes Food
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

This Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon is easy to make and surprisingly flavorful!

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Ingredients

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• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 medium sized onion, I like to use white or yellow, diced
• 2–3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bunch Dino kale, or curly kale, washed and chopped
• 1 (15 oz) can white beans (great northern or cannelloni) drained and rinsed
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the olive oil and onion.  Cook for 2-3 minutes, until onion is softened.  Add the garlic and cook another minute or 2, until fragrant.
2. Add in the kale, white beans and lemon juice.  Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and cook until everything is heated through.  I like to leave my kale with some texture so I don’t cook it all the way down.
3. Enjoy by itself, on toast, with rice or however you prefer!

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Category: Lunch, Breakfast, Vegan
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American