This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is like a warm hug in a bowl! With sweet tomatoes and tender white beans, it’s not only delicious but also super filling.
On chilly days, this stew is my go-to comfort food. I love topping it with fresh herbs or crusty bread for an extra treat. Trust me, you’ll want a big bowl of this!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps cook the onions. You can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil if you prefer a milder taste.
Onion: Chopped onions bring depth to the stew. If you’re in a pinch, shallots or leeks can work too, just adjust the amount to taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor. For convenience, garlic powder can be used (1/4 teaspoon per clove), but fresh is always better for aroma!
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are perfect for this stew. You could use fresh tomatoes if you have them (about 2-3 cups, diced), but keep in mind you might need to adjust liquid in the recipe.
White Beans: Cannellini or navy beans are great for creaminess. Other beans like chickpeas or pinto beans would be fine too.
Coconut Milk: Coconut milk offers a lovely creaminess with a hint of sweetness. For a non-vegan option, heavy cream works well. Almond milk can be a lighter alternative, though the flavor will change slightly.
Greens: Kale and spinach add needed nutrients and freshness. Swiss chard or even arugula can be good substitutes if those are on hand.
How Do You Sauté Onions and Garlic Without Burning Them?
Sautéing onions and garlic is key to building flavor in your stew. Here’s how to get it right:
- Heat your pot to medium heat before adding the olive oil to ensure it’s hot enough.
- Add the chopped onions and stir frequently, cooking them for about 5 minutes until they soften and become slightly translucent.
- Add garlic after the onions are ready, cooking just for a minute. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it!
This gentle cooking elevates the flavors without any bitterness! Enjoy your delicious stew!
How to Make Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed (such as cannellini or navy beans)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream for non-vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped (for freshness)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Crusty bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy tomato white bean stew requires approximately 10 minutes for prep and about 30 minutes for cooking. So, get ready to enjoy this warm, hearty meal in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. This will create a lovely aroma for your stew!
2. Add the Main Ingredients:
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes (with all the juices), white beans, vegetable broth, and coconut milk. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (feel free to adjust based on how spicy you like it), and add salt and pepper to taste. At this point, bring the mixture to a boil. Watch your pot carefully as it heats up!
3. Simmer for Flavor:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer gently for about 20 minutes while stirring occasionally. This is the stage where all those delicious flavors come together and blend beautifully!
4. Add the Greens:
After 20 minutes, it’s time to add freshness! Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the greens have wilted down into the stew. They add a nice color and nutrition!
5. Final Touches:
Once everything is cooked, taste the stew and adjust any seasoning if needed. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the stew with an immersion blender—this step is totally optional but recommended for extra creaminess!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now your stew is ready! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if you like. Don’t forget to offer some crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy every bite of your creamy tomato white bean stew!
Can I Use Different Types of Beans in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While cannellini or navy beans are fantastic, you can substitute them with other beans like chickpeas, black beans, or even kidney beans. Just make sure they are drained and rinsed if using canned beans!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as is, but always double-check that your vegetable broth is gluten-free as some brands may contain gluten. Enjoy worry-free!
What Should I Do If the Stew Is Too Thick?
If your stew ends up thicker than you’d like, simply add a bit more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and heat through before serving!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing and label the container with the date.
