This Easy Vegan White Bean Stew is like a big, warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender white beans, a colorful mix of veggies, and just the right blend of spices, it’s the ultimate comfort food for cozy nights at home.
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If you love this white bean stew be sure to try the following: Skillet Chicken With Artichokes and Sun Dried Tomatoes, Breakfast Potatoes With Peppers And Bacon or Easy Pasta With Pancetta And Peas.
Why This Recipe Works
- Hearty and Satisfying: A warm, comforting dish that fills you up.
- Wholesome Ingredients: White Bean Stew is packed with protein, fiber, and veggies for a balanced meal.
- Easy and Flavorful: Simple to make with bold, delicious flavors in every bite.
🥘 Ingredients
- White Dry Beans: Creamy and protein-packed, they create the stew’s hearty base.
- Onion: Adds mild sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Carrot: Brings sweetness and vibrant color.
- Red Pepper: Offers tangy sweetness and a pop of color.
- Garlic: Elevates the flavor with robust, savory notes.
- Bay Leaf: Adds subtle herbal depth.
- Black Pepper: Enhances savory flavors with a hint of spice.
- Universal Spice: A blend of Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic and Cayenne Pepper.
- Olive Oil: Perfect for sautéing and building flavor.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Love a little heat? Toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to give your stew a spicy kick!
- Fresh herbs = instant flavor boost! Stir in rosemary, thyme, or parsley for that cozy, fragrant touch.
- Want it extra creamy? Blend up some of the beans and veggies for a rich, velvety texture. Bulk it up with quinoa, rice, or farro—because a heartier stew is always a good idea.
- A spoonful of tomato paste or crushed tomatoes adds that deep, tangy richness that takes it to the next level!
🔪 How To Make Vegan White Bean Stew
- Step 1: Start by rinsing the beans, then add water to cover them. Let them soak and cook for 3 ½ hours until soft. Drain the water from the soaked beans, then set the beans aside.
- Step 2: Heat a little oil in a large pan. Toss in all the chopped veggies and sauté for about 5 minutes. Pour in 1 cup of water and let it all simmer for 1 ½ hours until the water is absorbed and the veggies are tender.
- Step 3: Add the beans back to the pan. Pour in 1 ½ cups of water so it just covers the beans by half an inch. Sprinkle in your spices and tuck in a few bay leaves. Let everything simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the bay leaves and serve your bean stew. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Hint: You can use vegetable broth or vegetable stock instead of water to this white bean stew. It’s an easy swap that adds extra flavor and richness to the dish!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Soak Your Beans: If using dry beans, soak them overnight for quicker cooking and a creamier texture.
- Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale for extra nutrients and color.
- Make it Ahead: The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making leftovers even tastier.
- Thicken Naturally: Mash some of the beans in the pot for a thicker, heartier stew.
💭 FAQs
Yes, canned beans work great for this recipe and save time! Simply skip step one, then rinse and drain the beans to remove excess sodium and canning liquid. Since they’re already cooked, you can reduce the cooking time to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Navy beans are a type of white bean, but not all white beans are navy beans. White beans come in several varieties, including navy beans, cannellini beans, great northern beans, and baby lima beans.
Navy beans are small, oval-shaped, and have a mild, creamy texture, making them perfect for stews, soups, and baked bean recipes. While they’re interchangeable in most recipes, each type of white bean has a slightly different size, texture, and flavor profile.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Place cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Transfer from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw overnight.
🧂Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite dishes to serve with vegan bean stew.
- Crusty Bread: Try Raw Vegan Bread, perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful broth.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve over your favorite grain for a heartier meal.
- Low carb broccoli salad: Pair with a simple green salad to lighten the meal.
- Vegan Yogurt: Add a dollop for a creamy finish.
- Grilled Veggies: Serve alongside Charred Eggplant or Parmesan Asparagus for added texture.
🍽 More Simple Vegan Dishes
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White Bean Stew
Ingredients
- 2 Cups White Dry Beans
- ½ Cup Onion
- 1 Carrot
- ½ Cup Red Pepper
- 3 Garlic Cloves
- 1 Bay Leaf
- ½ tsp. Black pepper
- 1 tsp. Universal spice
- 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the beans, then add water to cover them. Let them soak and cook for 3 ½ hours until soft. Drain off the water and set the beans aside.
- Heat a little oil in a large pan. Toss in all the chopped veggies and sauté for about 5 minutes. Pour in 1 cup of water and let it all simmer for 1 ½ hours until the water is absorbed and the veggies are tender.
- Add the beans back to the pan. Pour in 1 ½ cups of water so it just covers the beans by half an inch. Sprinkle in your spices and tuck in a few bay leaves. Let everything simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaves and serve your bean stew. Garnish with fresh herbs.
I love this recipe because it transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a hearty, comforting stew. The tender white beans, colorful veggies, and warm spices create a satisfying meal that's perfect for cozy nights at home.