Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms both the heart and soul, you’ve come to the right place! This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is a cherished recipe in my kitchen. It’s hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something easy yet satisfying. Plus, it’s plant-based and full of wholesome ingredients that nourish your body while delighting your taste buds.

What makes this stew extra special is how quickly it comes together. In just 25 minutes, you can have a delicious bowl of goodness ready to enjoy. Whether you’re serving it over rice or simply savoring it on its own, you’ll find that this stew quickly becomes a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy days.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the creamy texture and rich flavors, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
• Nutrient-Packed: Filled with veggies and plant-based protein, it’s a wholesome choice for any meal.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This stew stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is simple! You’ll find that all the ingredients are wholesome and easy to source. Here’s what you need:

For the Base

• 1 small yellow onion, sliced
• 8 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

For the Stew

• 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

For Flavor & Garnish

• 2 cups baby greens, like baby arugula or spinach
• ¼ cup vegan cream cheese (or coconut cream/cashew cream)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small lemon, juiced
• ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced, to garnish

Variations

One of the things I love most about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to mix things up according to your taste or what you have available!

• Swap the greens: Use kale or Swiss chard instead of baby greens for a different texture and flavor.
• Add some spice: Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
• Incorporate more veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots can be added for extra nutrition and color.
• Change up the beans: Try using chickpeas or navy beans instead of cannellini for a different twist.

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. Once hot, toss in your sliced onion. Sauté it for about 3 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Then add those beautiful cherry tomatoes! Cook them down for another 5 minutes until they’re softened. This step builds an amazing base of flavor that will really enhance your stew.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Next up, add in your minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir everything together for about one minute until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly. This is where your kitchen starts smelling heavenly!

Step 3: Whisk Your Broth

In a separate small bowl, whisk together your arrowroot starch with just a splash of broth until smooth. Then pour this mixture into the rest of your vegetable broth. This will help thicken the stew without any dairy!

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Pour that rich broth into your pan along with the drained white beans. Let everything simmer on low for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Stir in Creaminess

Now it’s time for that creamy goodness! Stir in your vegan cream cheese until it melts into the stew perfectly. Add in those fresh baby greens and cook just until they wilt—about one minute should do it! Don’t forget to mix in some fresh lemon juice along with salt and pepper to taste; this brightens up all those flavors.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Your delicious Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is ready! Serve it over rice, quinoa, or alongside some crusty bread—or enjoy it all by itself! Top with fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Making the perfect Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is all about the little details that can enhance flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you along the way!

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh produce not only adds vibrant flavors but also enhances the nutritional value of your dish. Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes and crisp greens for the best results.

• Adjust thickness to your preference – If you like a thicker stew, add a bit more arrowroot starch mixed with broth. For a lighter stew, simply reduce the amount of starch used.

• Experiment with spices – While this recipe is delicious as is, adding spices like smoked paprika or chili flakes can introduce exciting new flavors that complement the tomatoes beautifully.

• Let it simmer longer – If time allows, let your stew simmer a bit longer to deepen the flavors. Just keep an eye on the liquid levels and add more broth if necessary.

• Make it ahead of time – This stew tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge for a quick meal that’s ready when you are.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Presenting your Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew can elevate your dining experience, making it not just a meal, but an occasion. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves – A sprinkle of sliced fresh basil adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color that brightens up your stew.
• A drizzle of olive oil – A light drizzle just before serving enhances richness and adds a lovely sheen to your dish.
• Nutritional yeast – Sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy flavor without any dairy, plus an extra boost of nutrients!

Side Dishes

• Crusty whole-grain bread – A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into this hearty stew, absorbing all those wonderful flavors.
• Quinoa salad with lemon dressing – A refreshing quinoa salad can provide a light contrast to the creamy stew while maintaining a healthy focus.
• Roasted vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add texture and sweetness that complements the savory notes of your stew beautifully.
• Mixed green salad with vinaigrette – A simple mixed greens salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette provides freshness and balances out the richness of the stew.

Now you’re all set to create an inviting meal with your Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew! Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch in advance, ensuring a delicious and healthy option is always at your fingertips. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of each container for expansion as it freezes.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Add a splash of vegetable broth if the stew is too thick after reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I make Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stew stores well and can be made a day or two in advance. Just follow the storage instructions above to keep it fresh.

What can I serve with Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew?

This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, crusty bread, or can be enjoyed on its own for a light meal!

Is this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any added products, like vegetable broth, are also gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables to this stew?

Definitely! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Just sauté them along with the onions.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to make this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew! It’s not only comforting and rich in flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, this recipe will warm your heart and nourish your body. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Happy cooking!