Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew

Name: Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans of white beans, rinsed and drained; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Hearty Favorites

I love making Sunday dinners special, and my Creamy White Bean Stew has become a cherished tradition in our home. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor that warms the soul. The creamy texture and rich seasoning create a delightful experience, perfect for sharing with family and friends. I often pair it with homemade bread to soak up every last drop. Trying this recipe has truly elevated my Sunday meal game, allowing me to indulge in a hearty dish without a fuss.

Created by

Ione Rutherford

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:42:35.138Z

When I first experimented with white bean stew, I had no idea how delicious it would turn out. I combined various ingredients I had on hand, and the result was incredible! The beans create a creamy base that is enhanced with garlic, herbs, and a touch of lemon for brightness. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, making it perfect for chilly evenings.

I recommend using fresh herbs, as they bring a vibrant flavor that dried spices just can't match. Also, don’t rush the cooking time; letting the stew simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Each bite is a testament to the care I put into making this dish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that comforts and satisfies
Simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch
Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Creaminess

Achieving the perfect creamy texture in this White Bean Stew is all about blending techniques. While I use an immersion blender to create a smooth consistency, you can also tilt the pot and use a regular blender. Start blending just half of the mixture, allowing the whole beans to remain intact. This adds a delightful texture contrast in every spoonful, elevating the overall eating experience.

Timing is crucial here—once the vegetables are sautéed and the beans are added, let everything simmer for 20 minutes to fully infuse the flavors. The longer you let it simmer, the more aromatic and rich the stew becomes. If you catch the vegetables render their juices and become tender, you'll know you're on the right path.

Ingredient Insights and Substitutions

The white beans in this recipe are the stars, bringing a creamy texture and protein to the dish. Cannellini or navy beans are excellent options if you want to switch things up. If you prefer a bit more color and flavor, using garbanzo beans can also work, though the stew will have a different texture. Just ensure to maintain the same volume of beans to keep the stew balanced.

Olive oil is my go-to for sautéing due to its smooth flavor. However, you can experiment with avocado oil for a higher smoke point or butter for a richer taste. Keep in mind that if you're dairy-free, using olive oil is the preferred route to avoid compromising the creamy element of your stew.

Storage and Serving Tips

This Creamy White Bean Stew is a fantastic make-ahead option! It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to five days and can even improve in flavor as the ingredients meld together. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in airtight containers, where it will stay fresh for about three months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth to maintain that creamy texture.

When serving, I love to pair this stew with a crusty homemade bread or warm pita to soak up every bit of the delicious broth. Top it with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for an indulgent touch. If you're feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper before serving to enhance the flavor profile with a hint of smokiness!

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew:

Ingredients

2 cans of white beans, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley for garnish

With these ingredients ready, let's get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your creamy stew:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add the Beans and Broth

Mix in the rinsed white beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Blend for Creaminess

Using an immersion blender, blend a portion of the stew to create a creamy consistency while keeping some whole beans for texture. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer part of the stew to a regular blender and blend until smooth.

Finish and Serve

Add lemon juice, season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir well. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and enjoy your hearty stew!

Your creamy white bean stew is ready to be enjoyed! Pair it with fresh bread for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

For a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables. This stew also freezes well, so feel free to double the recipe for future meals.

Perfecting the Flavor Profile

Adjusting seasoning is key to highlighting the fresh, natural flavors in this creamy stew. I recommend tasting as you simmer, adding salt and pepper gradually. Remember, the types of broth you use can significantly impact the soup's flavor; low-sodium vegetable broth will allow you to control the saltiness better. Additionally, consider using fresh herbs if available—like thyme and rosemary—adding them last for a brighter finish.

Don't hesitate to play with acids, too! A splash of vinegar or an extra squeeze of lemon can brighten the dish and counterbalance the creaminess. This is especially important if the stew is made ahead of time; flavors may mellow in the fridge, so a touch of acid can rejuvenate it.

Serving Variations

This stew is wonderfully versatile! To make it even heartier, consider throwing in some diced potatoes or chopped kale during the simmering step. If you want an added protein boost, shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage can also complement the beans nicely. Time your additions so that everything cooks evenly; several minutes of simmering for potatoes should suffice, while kale will just need a couple of minutes until wilted.

For those looking to transform this dish into more than just a stew, try serving it over rice or quinoa instead. Creating a layered experience with the creamy stew atop a fluffy grain adds a nice textural element and turns it into a complete meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, just soak and cook them beforehand to ensure they're tender.

→ What can I do with leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.

→ Can I add meat to the stew?

Absolutely! Adding diced chicken or sausage can enhance the richness of the stew.