Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

If you’re looking for a warm and comforting meal that’s easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, you’ve found it! This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is one of my all-time favorites. It’s not only delicious but also nourishing, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. With rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this stew brings a smile to your face with every bite.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family and friends, this stew will surely impress. Plus, it comes together in just 25 minutes, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying life!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for those busy nights.
• Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with protein from white beans and vitamins from greens.
• Comforting Flavors: The creamy texture combined with the rich tomato base warms you right up.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep—just store it in the fridge or freezer for later!
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this flavorful stew!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew uses simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating a rich and satisfying dish.

• 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

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to customize it according to your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
• Spice Things Up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bit of heat!
• Change the Beans: Use chickpeas or navy beans instead of cannellini for a different flavor.
• Make It Heartier: Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a filling meal.

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 becomes soft and fragrant. Then add the halved cherry tomatoes and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until they soften up beautifully. This step is essential because sautéing enhances the natural sweetness of the onions while releasing juices from the tomatoes.

Step 2: Enhance with Flavor

Next, add minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste into the mix. Cook while stirring constantly for about one minute until everything is fragrant—this helps deepen the flavors as the tomato paste caramelizes slightly. Trust me; your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 3: Thicken the Stew

In a separate small bowl, whisk together arrowroot starch with a splash of vegetable broth until smooth. Then mix it into the rest of your vegetable broth before pouring it into the pan along with your rinsed beans. Let everything cook at a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened—this gives your stew that creamy texture!

Step 4: Add Creaminess

Now it’s time to stir in your vegan cream cheese! Mix until it melts into the stew beautifully. Then gently fold in your baby greens and let them wilt down—this only takes about a minute! Finally, add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. The lemon adds a nice brightness that balances out all those rich flavors.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Your Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is ready! Serve it over rice, quinoa, or simply enjoy it on its own with some crusty bread. Top each bowl with fresh basil for an extra pop of flavor—and don’t forget to dig in while it’s warm!

This stew is sure to become a staple in your home—enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Making this creamy stew is a breeze, but a few tips can help you elevate your dish even further!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor and nutrients of your stew. Look for vibrant tomatoes and crisp greens at your local market.

• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, simply add more arrowroot starch mixed with broth. This will create a heartier texture without compromising the flavor.

• Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to add spices like smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. These can bring depth and warmth to the dish, making it even more satisfying.

• Make it Ahead: This stew stores well, so consider making it in advance. Letting the flavors meld overnight in the fridge can actually enhance its taste!

• Customizable Greens: Feel free to swap out baby arugula or spinach for other greens like kale or Swiss chard. Each type of green adds its unique flavor profile and nutritional benefits.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Serving this delicious stew is all about presentation and pairing! Here are some fun ideas to make your meal special.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh basil not only adds color but also infuses an aromatic flavor that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes adds a spicy twist that balances the creaminess of the stew.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Garlic Bread: Serve warm slices of garlic bread on the side. The buttery, garlicky flavor pairs wonderfully with the rich stew, perfect for dipping!
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon makes for a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition. Its slight crunch provides a lovely textural balance against the creamy stew.
• Brown Rice: A serving of brown rice is an excellent base that absorbs all the delicious flavors from the stew, making every bite satisfying.

Enjoy creating your perfect meal experience with this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a hearty and nutritious dish throughout the week. Whether you’re packing lunches or planning dinners, this recipe stores beautifully and keeps well.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If you plan to eat it later in the week, consider dividing it into individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals.

Freezing

• Cool the stew completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• This stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the microwave on defrost mode.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of vegetable broth if the stew has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

If you have questions about making or enjoying this delicious stew, you’re in the right place!

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

Absolutely! This stew is great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. Just follow the storage tips above to keep it fresh.

What can I serve with Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew?

This stew pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread. You can also enjoy it over a bed of greens for a lighter option!

Can I use different beans in this stew?

Yes! While cannellini beans are recommended for their creamy texture, you can substitute them with any other white beans like navy beans or great northern beans.

How long does this stew last in the fridge?

The Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew will stay fresh in your refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to check labels on any packaged items like broth or cream cheese.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this delightful Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings comfort and nourishment. Enjoy every spoonful and feel free to share your experience—I can’t wait to hear how you loved making it! Happy cooking!