Quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious – this vegan creamed spinach with beans is ready in just 20 minutes. Served with black rice, it makes a healthy vegan dinner that is filling, protein-rich, and visually stunning on the table.

As a kid, I only knew spinach as frozen creamed spinach from a box – I didn’t even know what fresh spinach looked like in the fields. Luckily, that has changed! These days, fresh spinach finds its way into my smoothies, salads, sandwiches, soups, and curries on a regular basis.
For this vegan spinach and beans recipe, though, I intentionally chose frozen spinach – it’s practical, always available, and just as nutritious as fresh. The result is like a modern twist on traditional creamed spinach: flavorful, creamy, filling, and packed with plant protein thanks to white beans
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 20 minutes – the ultimate easy vegan dinner recipe
- 100% vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and protein-packed
- Creamy from coconut milk, spiced with cumin, coriander, and ginger
- Everyday-friendly, yet special enough to impress
- Perfect for meal prep
Whether you call it vegan spinach curry with beans or a healthy vegan creamed spinach, this dish is comforting, wholesome, and ideal for weeknights when you don’t want to cook something complicated. The recipe serves two – great for sharing or saving leftovers for another night.

Ingredients for Vegan Creamed Spinach
You only need a handful of simple ingredients for this recipe – most of them are pantry staples:
- Frozen spinach – practical and just as nutrient-rich as fresh spinach
- White beans – add protein and make the spinach curry creamy and filling
- Onion & garlic – the aromatic base no dish should miss
- Cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger – warm spices for that perfect depth of flavor
- Coconut milk (canned) – creates the creamy “creamed spinach” texture. Use the remaining coconut milk for tomato soup or mashed potatoes
- Salt & pepper – to taste
Tip: If you prefer a classic vegan creamed spinach without the curry flavor, simply leave out the spices and beans.

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the base
Finely chop onion and garlic. Sauté in a little water or oil until translucent, then add the ginger and cook briefly. - Add the spinach
Add the frozen spinach to the pan and cook for 6–7 minutes. - Season & finish
Stir in the spices, season with salt and pepper. Add the coconut milk and drained white beans. Let simmer for 5 minutes until thick and creamy.
I recommend serving the creamy spinach and beans with black rice. Not only does it look amazing, but it’s also rich in antioxidants. Just remember to cook the rice earlier since it takes longer than the spinach curry. If you’re short on time, basmati or jasmine rice works perfectly too.

More Recipes with Legumes
Since beans, lentils & co. are such healthy staples, here are a few more plant-based dishes you’ll love:
I hope you’ll give this vegan creamy spinach & beans a try. If you do, let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to rate the recipe. You can also tag a photo (#veggiejam) to show me your creation on instagram.
PrintRecipe
Easy Vegan Creamed Spinach with Beans
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
Description
Quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious – this vegan creamed spinach with beans is ready in just 20 minutes. Served with black rice, it makes a healthy vegan dinner that is filling, protein-rich, and visually stunning on the table.
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ tsp minced ginger
- 9 oz. frozen spinach (260 g)
- ⅛ tsp turmeric, ground
- 1 tsp cumin, ground
- ½ tsp coriander, ground
- ¾ cup canned coconut milk
- 1 can white beans
- ½ tsp salt
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Sauté them in a large frying pan with a splash of water for 2–3 minutes. Add the ginger and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the spinach to the pan, cover, and cook over low to medium heat for 6–7 minutes until thawed.
- Stir in the coconut milk, spices, and white beans. Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve over rice.
This post is also available in de_DE.






Peace says
I didn't have coconut milk but wanted something fast and easy so I used veg broth - the spices are spot on perfect. Looking forward to making with coconut milk I can tell that will be just lovely. thanks a lot for the recipe it's in my rotation for simple, delish, no fuss healthy meals 🙂
Melanie J says
It's great to hear that the recipe is also great without the coconut milk. But yes, definitely try it with coconut milk the next time, I'm pretty sure you will enjoy it even more 😉
Annica says
Really nice recipe, I followed exactly but used fresh spinach, will make again the spice balance is perfect thanks!
Melanie J says
Thanks Annica, I'm glad you enjoyed this dish!