Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew

Name: Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans of white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, chopped; 1 celery stalk, chopped; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup kale, torn into pieces; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Traditional Comfort Food Recipes

I absolutely love making this Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew during the weekend. It’s the perfect time to unwind and enjoy a comforting dish that warms the soul. The combination of creamy beans and fresh vegetables creates a delightful harmony of flavors, and it’s such a joy to watch the ingredients meld together as they simmer. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and leaves me with plenty of leftovers for the week ahead. You won’t believe how satisfying a healthy stew can be!

Created by

Marlowe Sinclair

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:29:42.345Z

Creating this stew was a delightful challenge that I eagerly took on last Sunday afternoon. With a pot full of white beans and fresh vegetables, I knew I was about to create something truly special. As I sautéed the garlic and onions, the aroma filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. This not only enhanced the flavor but also added a lovely depth to the stew.

I found that letting the stew simmer longer really made a difference. The beans absorbed the flavors of the herbs and spices, resulting in a sumptuous texture that was both creamy and satisfying. It’s a dish I find myself craving time and again!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and fulfilling, perfect for chilly evenings
Creamy texture with a blend of fresh herbs
Easy to customize with your favorite seasonal veggies

      

The Role of White Beans

White beans, such as cannellini or great northern, are the backbone of this stew. Their creamy texture and mild flavor create a rich base that absorbs the seasonings beautifully. When cooked, they break down slightly, contributing to the stew's overall creaminess, which negates the need for heavy creams or added fats. If you prefer a chunkier stew, reserve some beans before blending them into the broth and then stir them in after cooking to maintain their shape.

Additionally, if you want to enrich the flavor profile, consider using a mix of beans. For example, navy or butter beans can add a different depth while still maintaining that requisite creaminess. Feel free to swap out canned beans for dried ones; just be sure they are soaked and fully cooked, as they require longer to soften.

Essential Ingredient Tips

Using fresh vegetables elevates the stew’s flavor significantly. Opt for vibrant carrots and firm celery, as their natural sweetness balances the herbs. When chopping, aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. I find that buying pre-diced onion can save time without sacrificing flavor, but freshly chopped always brings the best taste. For the garlic, crushing it with the side of a knife before mincing can help release more of its essential oils.

Kale adds not only nutrition but also a textural contrast to this creamy dish. While this recipe calls for kale, feel free to experiment with other greens like spinach or Swiss chard for a different flavor. Just remember, softer greens will wilt faster, so adjust cooking time to prevent them from becoming overly mushy.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your stew:

Ingredients

2 cans of white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup kale, torn into pieces
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious homemade 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 until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add the Beans and Seasonings

Stir in the drained white beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

Finish with Kale

Add the torn kale to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the kale is wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your comforting and creamy stew!

Pro Tips

For added richness, consider blending a portion of the stew before adding the kale. This will enhance the creaminess!

Storage and Meal Prep

This stew is excellent for meal prep, as it stores exceptionally well. After cooking, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it a perfect choice for quick lunches or dinners. To reheat, a stovetop is ideal; simply warm over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions. This stew freezes beautifully for up to three months. Just make sure to leave some space in the containers for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready to go.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew, consider pairing it with crusty bread or a freshly made green salad. The bread is perfect for dipping, soaking up the delicious broth, while the salad adds a refreshing crunch that complements the stew's creaminess. A sprinkle of lemon juice over the salad can brighten the meal beautifully.

Another great option is to serve the stew over a bed of quinoa or brown rice. This not only makes it heartier but also increases the fiber and nutrient content. For an extra touch, top the stew with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of crumbled feta, adding a rich, tangy flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand, which will add extra time to the recipe.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

→ Can this stew be frozen?

Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers based on your preference or what you have on hand!