Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that warms your heart and fills your belly, you’ve come to the right place! This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is a personal favorite of mine and for good reason. Not only is it deliciously rich and creamy, but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up in just 25 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights or when you have family over, this stew checks all the boxes.

What I love most about this recipe is how it combines wholesome ingredients like white beans, cherry tomatoes, and vibrant greens into a satisfying dish that everyone will adore. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this stew brings a sense of warmth and comfort to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This stew comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute lunch or dinner.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the creamy texture and rich taste of this hearty stew.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from white beans and loaded with vitamins from fresh greens, it’s as healthy as it is tasty.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this stew ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, over rice or quinoa, or alongside some crusty bread for dipping!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe features simple, wholesome ingredients that you might even have on hand already. Let’s gather everything we need for our Creamy Tomato White Bean 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 parts about this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is how adaptable it is! You can easily make adjustments based on what you have at home or your personal preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color.
• Change up the greens: Swap baby arugula for kale or Swiss chard if you prefer.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Different beans: Use chickpeas or navy beans instead of cannellini for a slightly different flavor profile.

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 the sliced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. This step is so important because sautéing the onions brings out their natural sweetness, setting a delicious base for our stew.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes & Garlic

Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook them down for another 5 minutes until they’re softened, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Then stir in the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook everything together while stirring constantly for one minute until fragrant—this helps deepen those incredible flavors!

Step 3: Prepare the Broth Mixture

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the arrowroot starch with a splash of vegetable broth until smooth. This will help thicken our stew later! Mix that slurry into the remaining vegetable broth before pouring it into the pan.

Step 4: Combine & Simmer

Pour the broth mixture into your saucepan along with the rinsed white beans. Allow everything to simmer gently on low heat for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened and warmed through. This gives all those tasty ingredients time to mingle!

Step 5: Stir in Creaminess & Greens

Now it’s time to make our stew creamy! Stir in your vegan cream cheese (or chosen alternative) until it’s melted into the mixture. Then gently fold in your baby greens and cook until they’re wilted—this should take just about a minute. Finally, brighten things up with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice! Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Your Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is ready! Ladle it into bowls and top with freshly sliced basil. It pairs beautifully over rice or quinoa but is also delightful enjoyed on its own. Dig in and savor every spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Creating a delicious stew is all about the little details, so here are some tips to elevate your Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew!

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and nutrition. Opting for fresh cherry tomatoes and basil will give your stew a vibrant taste and color.

• Adjust the thickness – If you prefer a thicker stew, add more arrowroot or corn starch mixed with broth as it simmers. This tip helps create that perfect creamy texture that clings to every bite.

• Experiment with spices – Don’t hesitate to add your favorite spices like smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for an extra depth of flavor. Customizing your stew makes it truly yours!

• Let it sit – Allowing the stew to rest for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully. This is a simple way to enhance the overall taste.

• Store leftovers properly – Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating this stew brings out even more flavor, making it perfect for meal prep.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Presenting your Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew can turn a simple meal into something special! Here are some fun ideas to make your dish shine.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves – A sprinkle of freshly sliced basil adds a burst of freshness and color that complements the tomato flavor beautifully.
• Chili flakes – For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes on top. It not only adds spice but also visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread – Serve with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread for dipping. The bread will soak up the creamy broth, making each bite delightful.

• Quinoa salad – A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumber, red onion, and lemon juice pairs perfectly with the richness of the stew. The refreshing salad balances out the flavors nicely.

• Roasted vegetables – Roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots bring added texture and nutrition to the meal while complementing the hearty stew.

• Simple green salad – A crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warm stew. The greens add crunch and freshness that round out your dining experience.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll be ready to enjoy your comforting bowl of Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew in style!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time, so you always have a delicious, hearty meal ready to enjoy throughout the week.

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 your container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Pour the cooled stew into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Consider portioning it out into single servings for easy thawing and reheating.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, if frozen.
• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

What can I serve with Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew?

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

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

Absolutely! This stew is perfect for meal prep. You can store leftovers in the fridge or freeze them for later use.

Is this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure that your vegetable broth and starches are gluten-free, this stew is a safe and tasty choice!

How do I make this stew creamier?

For an extra creamy texture, simply add more vegan cream cheese or use full-fat coconut cream when cooking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew as much as I do! It’s not only comforting but also packed with nutritious ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing it with loved ones, this stew is sure to warm your heart. Don’t hesitate to try different greens or toppings to make it your own — happy cooking!

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