Zesty Spinach and BBQ Baked Beans Medley
This Zesty Spinach and BBQ Baked Beans Medley is a delightful twist on a classic baked bean dish. Inspired by a recipe from Eating Well magazine, I transformed a sausage-laden meal into a vibrant and wholesome side that pairs perfectly with grilled meats. The combination of fresh spinach, smoky bacon, and a savory barbecue sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that complements any summer gathering. It's not only easy to prepare, but also adaptable; feel free to experiment with different types of beans as I have with white kidney beans, which add their own unique taste. Plus, with the added health benefits of spinach, this dish is a fantastic choice for those watching their weight without compromising on flavor. Don't forget to rinse your beans to cut down on sodium and boost the overall healthiness of this dish. Get ready for a meal that's as delicious as it is nutritious!
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
Fresh spinach
12 (ounces, stems removed and chopped)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Fresh jalapeno
1 (chopped)
Center-cut bacon
4 (slices, cooked and crumbled)
Barbecue sauce
1/2 (cup)
Water
1/2 (cup)
Tomato paste
2 (tablespoons)
Molasses
1 (tablespoon)
Salt
1/8 (teaspoon)
Pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
Great northern beans
2 (15-ounce) (cans, drained and rinsed)
Instructions
1
In a deep skillet or large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
2
Add the chopped spinach, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeno to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the spinach is wilted and fragrant.
3
While the spinach is cooking, prepare the sauce by whisking together the barbecue sauce, water, tomato paste, molasses, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until well combined.
4
Once the spinach has wilted, increase the heat slightly and add the prepared sauce, crumbled bacon, and rinsed beans into the skillet.
5
Stir until all ingredients are well mixed. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together.
6
Serve warm alongside your favorite grilled meats or as a standalone dish.
Nutrition Information
3
Fat
17
Carbs
7
Protein
4
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Spinach and BBQ Baked Beans Medley?
It is a vibrant twist on classic baked beans featuring fresh spinach, smoky bacon, and savory barbecue sauce, inspired by a recipe from Eating Well magazine.
How many calories are in this dish?
There are 133 calories per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
Each serving provides 7 grams of protein.
What is the fiber content of this meal?
This dish contains 4 grams of fiber per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 17 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
How much spinach is required?
You will need 12 ounces of fresh spinach with stems removed and chopped.
How much garlic should I add?
The recipe requires one minced garlic clove.
Does this recipe have a spicy kick?
Yes, it includes one chopped fresh jalapeno for a zesty and spicy flavor profile.
What kind of bacon is used in the medley?
The recipe uses four slices of center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled.
How much barbecue sauce is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce.
What are the sauce ingredients besides BBQ sauce?
The sauce is made by whisking together barbecue sauce, water, tomato paste, molasses, salt, and pepper.
How much tomato paste is included?
The recipe uses two tablespoons of tomato paste.
Why is molasses used in this recipe?
One tablespoon of molasses is added to provide a deep, savory sweetness that complements the BBQ flavor.
What kind of beans are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for two 15-ounce cans of Great Northern beans, though white kidney beans are a suggested alternative.
Should I rinse the beans?
Yes, rinsing the beans is recommended to cut down on sodium and boost the overall healthiness of the dish.
How long does it take to sauté the spinach?
Sauté the spinach, garlic, and jalapeno for 3-4 minutes until the spinach is wilted and fragrant.
What is the total simmering time?
Once all ingredients are combined, let the medley simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome choice for those watching their weight, featuring fresh spinach and lean beans.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Whisk the barbecue sauce, water, tomato paste, molasses, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until well combined before adding to the skillet.
Can I serve this as a standalone dish?
Yes, it can be served as a standalone meal or as a side dish alongside grilled meats.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for the spinach?
The spinach should be sautéed over medium-high heat.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
Is this dish suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer recipe that is perfect for pairings with grilled foods.
How much salt and pepper is added?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients in this medley.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is characterized by its easy preparation and quick cooking time.
Can I use frozen spinach?
While the recipe calls for fresh spinach, frozen spinach can be used if thawed and drained thoroughly first.
What size cans of beans are required?
The recipe uses two 15-ounce cans of beans.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to heat extra virgin olive oil in a deep skillet or large saucepan over medium-high heat.