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 white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love cozy Sundays spent in the kitchen, and this Creamy White Bean Stew is my go-to comfort food. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that fills the house with the most wonderful aromas. By using creamy white beans combined with fresh herbs and vegetables, I create a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for batch cooking. Serve it with crusty bread, and you’ve got a delightful meal that warms the soul!

Created by

Lacey Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:58:11.512Z

When I first decided to make a white bean stew, I wasn’t sure how creamy it could turn out without any dairy. After experimenting, I discovered that blending a portion of the beans with vegetable broth creates a wonderfully smooth texture that gives life to the stew. I always add a touch of garlic and fresh thyme to elevate the flavor.

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping, and it tastes even better the next day! Pair it with a drizzle of olive oil and some crusty bread, and you’ll have a delightful feast that everyone will rave about. Trust me when I say, this stew is truly a hug in a bowl!

        Why You'll Love this Recipe
        Creamy texture that satisfies every bite
Packed with nutritious ingredients for a wholesome meal
Easy to make with simple, flavorful ingredients

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The creamy white beans, whether you choose cannellini or great northern, are the stars of this dish. These beans not only provide a rich, creamy texture when blended but also add a good dose of protein and fiber to your stew. Their neutral flavor acts as a perfect canvas for the savory notes of the garlic, thyme, and vegetables. For a more pronounced bean flavor, consider using dried beans; just remember to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Fresh herbs bring the dish to life. While dried thyme is used here for convenience, fresh thyme or even rosemary can elevate the flavor further. I recommend adding fresh herbs towards the end of cooking for a pop of freshness. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes at the garlic stage, adding a subtle warmth without overpowering the delicate flavors of the stew.

Techniques for Perfecting the Stew

Sautéing the vegetables correctly is crucial. You want to cook them until they are softened but not browned, as this will maintain their flavor integrity. Cook them in olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes, and stir occasionally to prevent any sticking. If the vegetables start to brown too quickly, lower the heat to allow them to soften without burning.

Using an immersion blender is ideal for creating a creamier texture, but it's essential to know when to stop blending. Aim for a mix where some beans remain whole; this gives the stew a delightful contrast in texture. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer half of the soup to a traditional blender, but be cautious of hot splashes.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare a comforting Sunday meal!

Ingredients

2 cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Combine all the ingredients for a hearty and delicious stew!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy white bean stew.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Combine Beans and Broth

Add the rinsed white beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Blend for Creaminess

Using an immersion blender, slightly blend the stew to create a creamy texture while still keeping some whole beans intact.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your home-cooked creamy white bean stew!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice before serving. You can also incorporate other vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This creamy white bean stew is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator; the flavors will deepen overnight. To store, allow the stew to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space in the container, as the stew will expand as it freezes.

When reheating, be aware that the stew may thicken slightly. You might need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water while warming it on the stove to reach your desired consistency. Heat gently over medium-low until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve the creamy white bean stew alongside crusty bread or a fresh green salad. The bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth. For added flavor, consider sprinkling some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

If you want to customize your meal further, you can easily add vegetables or proteins like spinach, kale, or cooked chicken for a heartier stew. Just add these ingredients during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking so that they keep their color and texture, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, just make sure to soak and cook them beforehand according to the package instructions.

→ Is there a way to make this stew vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses vegetable broth.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I freeze this stew?

Absolutely! Just let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.