Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew
This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is a cozy, one-pot meal made from pantry staples like white beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and coconut milk. It’s warm, hearty, and adaptable—perfect for lazy nights, meal prep, or budget-friendly family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cans 15 oz each white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 handful spinach or kale optional
- 1 bay leaf optional
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics : Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic : Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn—it should smell delicious and mellow, not bitter.
- Deglaze with tomatoes : Pour in the can of fire-roasted tomatoes (including juices). If they’re whole or chunky, use the back of your spoon to gently crush them a bit right in the pot. This gives the stew a rustic texture.
- Add the beans and broth : Add the drained white beans and pour in about 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth. Toss in the bay leaf if using. Stir to combine everything, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any caramelized bits.
- Season and simmer : Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and red pepper flakes, if desired. Season with a good pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper. Let the stew simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the flavors to deepen and the broth to reduce slightly.
- Add the creamy touch : Lower the heat and stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream). If you’re adding greens like spinach or kale, throw them in now. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the greens are wilted and everything is heated through.
- Adjust consistency and flavor : If the stew seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. For a heartier texture, mash a few of the beans directly in the pot with a wooden spoon or a potato masher.
- Taste and finish : Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili flakes if needed. For brightness, you can also add a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving.
- Serve and enjoy : Ladle into bowls and serve hot, ideally with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a scoop of rice. Top with grated parmesan or nutritional yeast for a flavor boost if desired.
Notes
Pros
- Easy to make with pantry staples
- Budget-friendly and filling
- Customizable with vegan or dairy options
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Warm, comforting, and family-friendly
Cons
- May be too mild for spice lovers without adjustments
- Coconut milk may not appeal to everyone
- Not ideal for those avoiding legumes