Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

If you’re looking for a cozy and delicious meal that comes together in just 25 minutes, then you’re in for a treat! My Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Plus, it’s vegan, so everyone can enjoy it without worry. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed family gathering, this stew is sure to become a new favorite at your table.

What makes this dish so special is the combination of flavors and textures. The creamy vegan cream cheese melds beautifully with the tangy tomatoes and tender white beans, creating a comforting bowl that will satisfy your cravings without weighing you down. Trust me, once you try this stew, you’ll be making it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this stew is perfect for those hectic days.
• Family-friendly: Kids love the creamy texture and delicious flavors, making it an easy go-to for family meals.
• Nutritious ingredients: Packed with protein-rich white beans and fresh greens, this dish is not only tasty but also nourishing.
• Versatile options: Enjoy it on its own or serve it over rice or quinoa for a fulfilling meal.
• Make-ahead friendly: This stew keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that make this recipe shine! You’ll find everything you need to create a flavorful and satisfying Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew right here in your kitchen.

For the 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 (or substitute with coconut cream or cashew cream)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small lemon, juiced
• ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced, to garnish

Variations

This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes for a kick of heat if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Change the greens: Swap out baby greens for kale or Swiss chard—both work beautifully in this stew.
• Switch the beans: Try kidney beans or chickpeas instead of cannellini beans 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 the sliced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This step releases their natural sweetness and builds a great flavor base for our stew!

Step 2: Cook the Tomatoes

Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook them down for another 5 minutes until they soften up nicely. Stir them frequently; we want them to burst open and release their juicy goodness into the pan.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Now it’s time to add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir constantly for about one minute until fragrant. The tomato paste will darken slightly—this means it’s ready to enhance our stew’s depth of flavor!

Step 4: Prepare the Broth Mixture

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the arrowroot starch with just a splash of vegetable broth until smooth. This mixture will help thicken our stew later on! Add it back into the rest of the vegetable broth.

Step 5: Combine & Simmer

Pour your broth mixture into the pan along with the rinsed white beans. Let it simmer gently on low heat for about 5 minutes until everything warms through and thickens slightly. This step allows all those fantastic flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Stir in Creaminess & Greens

Finally, stir in your vegan cream cheese until it’s melted into the stew—this adds that lovely creamy texture we crave! Toss in your baby greens and let them wilt down for about one minute before mixing in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste before topping with fresh basil.

Enjoy your Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew over rice, quinoa, greens, with toast—really however you like! It’s hearty enough to stand alone but versatile enough to complement any side you choose!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Making this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Prep your ingredients ahead of time – Chopping your veggies and measuring out your ingredients beforehand will make the cooking process quicker and smoother, allowing you to enjoy the process more.

• Taste as you go – Don’t forget to taste your stew as it cooks! This way, you can adjust the seasoning to suit your palate, ensuring it’s just right.

• Experiment with greens – While baby arugula and spinach are great, feel free to use other greens like kale or Swiss chard for added nutrients and different textures.

• Add a kick of spice – If you like a little heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking for an extra flavor dimension.

• Make it ahead of time – This stew keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Making it in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Serving this hearty stew can be just as fun as making it! Here are some delightful ideas on how to present this creamy dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs – A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile of the stew.
• Chili flakes – For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a light sprinkle of chili flakes can elevate the dish and add a beautiful touch of color.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread – A warm slice of whole-grain or sourdough bread is perfect for dipping into the stew and soaking up all that creamy goodness.

• Quinoa salad – A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing pairs wonderfully with this stew, providing a light contrast to its richness.

• Roasted vegetables – Roasted seasonal veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots offer a delightful crunch and complement the creamy texture of the stew.

• Rice pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes an excellent base for serving the stew. It absorbs all those delicious flavors beautifully!

Enjoying this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew with these garnishes and side dishes will surely make your meal even more satisfying!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. 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, leaving some room for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best quality, consume within 1-2 months.

Reheating

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

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I make Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew without onion?

Yes! If you prefer, you can skip the onion and still enjoy a flavorful stew. Just sauté the garlic with the cherry tomatoes instead.

How do I make Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew spicier?

To add some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking your onions. This will give your stew a delightful kick!

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 light and healthy meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew as much as I do! It’s such a comforting dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, it’s sure to warm your heart. Don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you try—happy cooking!

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