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Lemony Beans and Spinach over Pasta

Here's how you make Lemony Beans and Spinach over Pasta
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  • Servings: 5
  • Prep: 5m
  • Cook: 12-15m
  • The following recipe serves 5 people.

Ingredients

The ingredients are:
  • 3/4 pound thin spaghetti (or vermicelli)
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 large onion, cut in quarters and thin sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped (lightly packed)
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 4 to 5 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon capers
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • Pepper and salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Garnish:
  • Fresh basil, torn
  • Parmesan, grated
We recommend you get your ingredients ready before you start cooking. Once you're ready, here are the steps to making this delicious recipe

How to Make

  • Step 1: Base ... Add the oil to a saute pan and bring to medium high heat. Add the onion and garlic and saute until slightly tender; about 2-3 minutes.

  • Step 2: Roux ... Then, add the flour and whisk until the flour is incorporated with the oil. Cook just a minute on medium heat, but make sure it does not burn or get too brown.

  • Step 3: Sauce ... Add the broth and bring to a light boil to thicken the sauce. Then, reduce the heat to medium low and add the beans, lemon juice (start out with 4 tablespoons, you can add more if you want), capers, and lightly season with salt and pepper. You can re-season after you add the spinach and toss with the pasta. Cook just a minute to incorporate everything.

  • Step 4: Pasta ... As the sauce cooks, cook the pasta according to package directions in plenty of salted water.

  • Step 5: Finish ... Drain the pasta and add to the sauce. I also like to add a little of the pasta water as well, it makes a nice creamy sauce; but not necessary. Add the spinach and lemon zest, toss to combine and cook just a minute; then finish with the fresh basil.

  • Step 6: Serve ... As I said, a side dish is how I like to serve it; but it is a great vegetarian dish, or you can always add some sliced chicken to make it a bit heartier. ENJOY!


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