Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew
If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms your soul and delights your taste buds, you’ve come to the right place! This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is one of my all-time favorites. It’s rich, satisfying, and can be whipped up in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends at a casual gathering. The combination of creamy tomatoes and hearty white beans creates a comforting hug in a bowl that everyone will love.
Whether you’re serving it with some crusty bread or just enjoying it on its own, this stew is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into why this recipe is so special!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for any day of the week.
- Wholesome ingredients: Packed with protein-rich beans and vibrant veggies for a nutritious meal.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this deliciously creamy stew.
- Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or pair with rice, quinoa, or your favorite bread.
- Make-ahead friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew:
For the Stew
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 8 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, or other white beans of choice, drained and rinsed
- 1¼ cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch, tapioca starch, or cornstarch
- 2 cups baby greens, like baby arugula or spinach
- ¼ cup vegan cream cheese (you can also replace with coconut cream or cashew cream)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small lemon, juiced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced, to garnish
Variations
One of the best things about this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is how flexible it is! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Add more veggies: Toss in chopped carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Change the greens: Swap out baby greens for kale or Swiss chard if you prefer.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if you like some spice.
- Switch the beans: Use navy beans or great northern beans as an alternative to cannellini.
How to Make Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of avocado or olive oil. Toss in the sliced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Then add the halved cherry tomatoes and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. This step really brings out their sweetness and sets a wonderful base for our stew.
Step 2: Add Flavors
Next, stir in the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook for about one minute while stirring constantly until everything is fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly. This helps deepen the flavor profile of your stew!
Step 3: Prepare the Broth Mixture
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the arrowroot starch with a splash of vegetable broth until smooth. Then mix this into the rest of your broth. This little trick will help thicken your stew nicely without any lumps.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour your broth mixture into the pan along with the rinsed white beans. Bring it all to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened and warmed through. Stirring occasionally during this time allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together.
Step 5: Finish with Creaminess
Now comes the fun part! Stir in your vegan cream cheese until it melts into the stew—this adds that lovely creamy texture we all crave. Add in your baby greens and let them wilt down for about one minute before mixing in fresh lemon juice along with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Top off your steaming bowl of creamy goodness with freshly sliced basil. Whether you serve it over rice, quinoa, or simply enjoy it solo, this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is sure to warm both hearts and bellies alike!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew
Making this delightful stew is a breeze, but a few handy tips can take your dish to the next level!
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs enhance the flavor profile of your stew, making it taste vibrant and delicious. Opt for seasonal produce whenever possible.
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Adjust thickness to your liking: If you prefer a thicker stew, simply add a bit more arrowroot starch mixed with water. For a thinner consistency, add more vegetable broth until you reach your desired texture.
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Experiment with greens: While baby arugula or spinach are excellent choices, feel free to try other greens such as kale or Swiss chard for added nutrition and flavor diversity.
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Add spices for depth: Enhance the stew’s flavor by adding spices like smoked paprika or Italian seasoning. They bring out the richness of the tomatoes and beans beautifully.
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Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Simply reheat before serving for a quick meal.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew
Serving this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is all about making it visually appealing and complementing its rich flavors. Here are some ideas to present this delicious dish!
Garnishes
- Fresh basil: A sprinkle of sliced fresh basil not only adds color but also brings a burst of aromatic flavor that pairs wonderfully with tomatoes.
- Nutritional yeast: For a cheesy flavor without dairy, sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top just before serving—it adds a lovely umami touch.
- Cracked black pepper: A dash of freshly cracked black pepper on top can elevate the presentation and provide an extra kick of flavor.
Side Dishes
- Crusty Whole Grain Bread: Perfect for dipping, this bread complements the creamy stew while adding hearty texture.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes offers a refreshing balance to the warmth of the stew.
- Roasted Vegetables: Tossed in olive oil and herbs, roasted vegetables add extra nutrients and flavor contrast; plus, they’re easy to prepare alongside your stew.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette provides crunch and brightness that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the soup.
Enjoy creating your own cozy meals with this delightful recipe! Whether you’re serving it on a rainy day or sharing it with loved ones at dinner time, this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is sure to warm hearts and bellies alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve your tasty stew:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Keep any toppings, like fresh basil, separate until you’re ready to serve.
Freezing
- Let the stew cool down completely before freezing.
- Pour it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. To use, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
- For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
- You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the stew is too thick after reheating.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!
Can I use different beans in my Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew?
Absolutely! While cannelini beans are great for their creamy texture, feel free to substitute with navy beans, great northern beans, or any white bean of your choice.
How can I make my Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew spicier?
If you like a little heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking. You could also stir in some hot sauce right before serving!
What can I serve with Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew?
This stew pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, crusty bread, or even a fresh salad. It’s versatile enough to complement various sides!
Is it possible to add more vegetables to the stew?
Yes! Feel free to throw in additional veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Just sauté them along with the onions at the beginning.
Can I make this stew without oil?
Definitely! You can sauté the onions and garlic in vegetable broth instead of oil for a lower-fat version while still keeping all those wonderful flavors.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew brings warmth and comfort to your table! It’s not only rich and satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing with loved ones, it’s sure to be a hit. Have fun making this delightful dish and feel free to experiment with your own twists. Happy cooking!
Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
Description
Enjoy a hearty bowl of Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew—a comforting vegan dish that’s easy to prepare. Try it today for a cozy meal!
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 8 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1¼ cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch (or tapioca starch/cornstarch)
- 2 cups baby greens (arugula or spinach)
- ¼ cup vegan cream cheese (or coconut/cashew cream)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 small lemon
- ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the onion in oil over medium heat until soft. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until sweet.
- Stir in garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste; cook until fragrant.
- Whisk arrowroot starch with some vegetable broth until smooth; mix into the broth.
- Pour in the broth mixture and add rinsed beans; simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in vegan cream cheese until melted; add baby greens and wilt for one minute.
- Finish with lemon juice, salt, and pepper; garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
