Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy tomato white bean stew is the perfect combination of rich, comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients. Packed with protein-rich white beans, nutrient-dense greens, and juicy tomatoes, it’s a satisfying and hearty meal that comes together in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re looking for an easy lunch, a quick dinner, or a comforting dish to cozy up with, this creamy vegan stew has you covered. It’s dairy-free, plant-based, and utterly delicious!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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 cannelini 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

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil. Add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.

2. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.

3. Stir in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and the tomato paste has darkened.

4. In a small bowl, whisk the arrowroot starch with a splash of broth. Stir this mixture into the remaining vegetable broth and add it to the pan.

5. Add the beans and cook at a low simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken slightly and heat through.

6. Stir in the vegan cream cheese and continue stirring until it’s fully melted and incorporated.

7. Add the greens and cook for 1 minute, until wilted.

8. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Greens: You can use any baby greens of your choice. Kale, chard, or even mixed greens work well.

• Beans: If you prefer a different variety, feel free to swap the cannelini beans for other white beans like great northern beans or navy beans.

• Cream Alternative: For a different creamy texture, swap the vegan cream cheese for coconut cream or cashew cream, depending on your preference.

• Add Protein: To make the stew even heartier, add sautéed mushrooms, tempeh, or tofu for an extra protein boost.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the stew in a pan over low to medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. If the stew has thickened too much, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, this stew stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

2. Can I use a different type of bean?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the cannelini beans with any white bean variety like navy beans or great northern beans, or even chickpeas.

3. Can I use regular cream cheese instead of vegan cream cheese?

For a non-vegan version, you can use regular cream cheese. However, the stew will no longer be dairy-free.

4. What can I serve this stew with?

This stew pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a slice of toasted bread. You can also serve it on a bed of greens or enjoy it by itself.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this creamy tomato white bean stew is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the ingredients in any packaged items you use to ensure they are gluten-free.

6. Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, you can freeze the stew in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a bit of broth to thin it out.

7. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?

Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes if fresh cherry tomatoes aren’t available. Just adjust the seasoning if needed.

8. How can I make this stew spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some diced jalapeños while cooking the onions and tomatoes.

9. How long will the stew keep in the fridge?

This stew will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

10. Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Yes! Feel free to add any veggies you like. Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers would all be great additions.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is an easy, delicious, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy days. With a base of creamy tomato broth, white beans, and greens, this vegan stew delivers comfort and flavor in just 25 minutes. Plus, it’s customizable with your favorite beans and greens. Whether for lunch or dinner, this stew is a satisfying choice you’ll want to make again and again.