Creamy Vegan Tomato White Bean Stew – A Hearty Comfort Dish

Looking for a cozy, delicious meal that’s packed with wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors? This creamy vegan tomato white bean stew delivers just that! It’s a plant-based dish perfect for weeknight dinners or a quick, satisfying lunch. Bursting with hearty flavors, rich textures, and vibrant colors, this stew is sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes.

Below, you’ll find a detailed guide on how to prepare this irresistible vegan white bean stew with step-by-step instructions, tips for substitutions, and creative serving suggestions.

What Is Creamy Vegan Tomato White Bean Stew?

A creamy tomato white bean stew is a comforting plant-based dish packed with tender white beans simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. It brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients such as tomatoes, olive oil, spinach, and broth to create a wholesome vegan meal.

This dish stands out because it offers the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and heartiness. Ideal for chilly nights, this recipe delivers creamy textures and bright tomato flavors that will warm you up from the inside out.

Creamy Vegan Tomato White Bean Stew – A Hearty Comfort Dish

Recipe by chefCourse: Lunch, vegan lunch

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

225

kcal

Discover how to make a delicious and hearty creamy tomato white bean stew! This vegan, one-pot recipe is loaded with white beans, fresh spinach, and roasted tomatoes, perfect for cozy dinners. Quick, easy, and packed with nutrients!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans), drained and rinsed

• 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)

• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional garnish: fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, or vegan parmesan

Step-by-Step Preparation Method for creamy vegan tomato white bean stew

• 1. Sauté the Aromatics
• In a large pot over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
• 2. Roast the Cherry Tomatoes
• While the onions are cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Roast for about 15 minutes until they blister and caramelize slightly.
• 3. Add the Base Ingredients
• Return to the pot and add the tomato paste. Stir it into the onions and garlic mixture for about 2 minutes to enhance its flavor. Pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the roasted tomatoes and drained white beans.
• 4. Simmer the Stew
• Add the thyme, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the flavors meld together.
• 5. Thicken the Stew
• For a creamier consistency, use a spoon to mash a portion of the white beans directly in the pot. This will naturally thicken the stew without needing additional thickeners.
• 6. Add Spinach and Final Seasoning
• Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• 7. Serve and Garnish
• Ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, or vegan parmesan. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Nutritional Table of creamy vegan tomato white bean stew(per 100g)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Vegan and Plant-Based: Made entirely from plant-based ingredients, this stew is perfect for vegans and those following a healthy diet.
• One-Pot Wonder: You only need a single pot, making cleanup quick and easy.
• Packed with Flavor: From the smoky notes of roasted tomatoes to the richness of cannellini beans, every spoonful bursts with comforting flavors.
• Hearty and Filling: Loaded with fiber and protein, this dish keeps you satisfied for hours.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

1. White Beans

The star of this dish, white beans, provide the creamy texture and hearty base for the stew. You can use cannellini beans, butter beans, or great northern beans for best results.

2. Tomatoes

Fresh or canned tomatoes work well in this stew. Fire-roasted tomatoes are a fantastic option for an extra layer of smoky flavor.

3. Olive Oil and Broth

A drizzle of olive oil helps sauté the aromatics while a generous amount of vegetable broth gives depth to the stew.

Choosing the Right White Beans

White beans come in several varieties, each bringing unique textures and flavors:

• Cannellini Beans: Smooth and creamy, perfect for stews.
• Great Northern Beans: Mild flavor and slightly firmer texture.
• Navy Beans: Soft and starchy, ideal for thickening stews.

Tips for Thickening the Stew

• Mash Some Beans: Use a spoon to mash a portion of the beans against the side of the pot.
• Simmer Longer: Allow the stew to reduce naturally for a thicker consistency.
• Add Vegan Cream Cheese: Stir in a dollop of vegan cream cheese for a creamy finish.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Basil and Thyme: Fresh herbs add a fragrant touch.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a rich, tangy twist.
• Vegan Parmesan: Sprinkle on top for a cheesy flavor.

Variations of the creamy vegan tomato white bean stew

• Spinach and Kale: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Tuscan-Style: Add a splash of white wine and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Protein Boost: Toss in cooked garbanzo beans for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crusty bread for dipping.
• Top with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh basil.
• Serve alongside a white bean salad for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This stew freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Benefits of White Beans

• High in Fiber: Helps promote healthy digestion.
• Rich in Protein: A great plant-based protein source.
• Packed with Micronutrients: Contains iron, magnesium, and potassium.

How to Customize the creamy vegan tomato white bean stew

• For a Spicier Kick: Add red pepper flakes.
• Make It Creamier: Stir in vegan cream cheese or coconut milk.
• Brighten the Flavor: Squeeze fresh lemon juice just before serving.

Key Takeaways

• This creamy tomato white bean stew is a hearty, plant-based meal perfect for weeknights.
• Use cannellini beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fresh herbs for maximum flavor.
• Serve with crusty bread and enjoy the comforting flavors of this wholesome dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned white beans instead of dried?
   Yes! Canned beans are a convenient option and work perfectly in this stew.
2. What other greens can I use besides spinach?
   Kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens are excellent substitutes.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Absolutely, as long as you pair it with gluten-free bread.
4. How do I make the stew spicier?
   Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.
5. Can I freeze this stew?
   Yes, it freezes well for up to three months in an airtight container.