Creamy Garlic White Bean Stew

$- White Beans: You need 2 cans (15 oz each) of white beans. Cannellini or great northern work well. These beans give the stew its creamy base and protein. - Vegetable Broth: You will need 4 cups of vegetable broth. This adds depth to the stew. You can use homemade broth or store-bought. - Onion: One medium onion, finely chopped. This ingredient adds sweetness and flavor. - Garlic: Use 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic gives a strong, rich taste. - Carrots: Two medium carrots, diced. They add a nice crunch and sweetness. - Celery: Two celery stalks, diced. This adds freshness and texture. - Kale: You need 1 cup of chopped kale. It adds nutrients and color. - Coconut Milk: One cup of full-fat coconut milk makes the stew creamy. This is key for a rich texture. - Olive Oil: Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the veggies. - Dried Thyme: One teaspoon of dried thyme provides a warm, herbal note. - Smoked Paprika: One teaspoon adds a smoky flavor. - Salt and Pepper: To taste. These enhance all the flavors in the dish. - Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley for garnish. This adds a fresh, bright finish. - If you can't find white beans, you can use chickpeas or lentils. - For vegetable broth, you can substitute with water or chicken broth if not vegetarian. - Coconut milk can be replaced with almond milk or any other non-dairy milk, but it may change the creaminess. - You can add croutons for extra crunch. - A sprinkle of chili flakes adds heat. - A swirl of olive oil can enhance the final look and flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Start by chopping the onion, carrots, and celery. - You want these veggies to be small. This helps them cook even. - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes. - Wait until the onion turns clear. This shows it is ready. - Next, add minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it smells good. - Timing is key! Get your ingredients ready before you start cooking. - Add the drained white beans, vegetable broth, thyme, and smoked paprika. - Stir everything well and bring it to a simmer. - Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. Let the flavors blend. - When time is up, add the chopped kale and coconut milk. - Simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the kale wilts. - Taste your stew! Add salt and pepper to make it just right. - Always adjust the seasoning based on your taste. This step makes it special. How to enhance creaminess without dairy To make this stew creamy without using dairy, I love using full-fat coconut milk. It adds a rich and smooth texture. You can also try cashew cream. Just blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. This will give you a nice, creamy base. Using fresh versus dried herbs I prefer fresh herbs for a bright flavor in my stew. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch as a garnish. If you use dried herbs, remember that they are more concentrated. You may need less. A good rule is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs. The importance of simmering for flavor development Simmering is key in this recipe. It lets the flavors mix and deepen. As the stew simmers, the beans absorb the spices and herbs. This helps the dish taste richer and more complex. Let it simmer low and slow for the best results. Ideal side dishes to accompany the stew This creamy garlic white bean stew pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. These sides help balance the stew’s creaminess and add texture. Presentation tips for a beautiful serving When serving, ladle the stew into bowls and add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. This adds color and a fresh flavor. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil for a nice shine. Serve with a wedge of lemon for extra zest. Recommendations for leftovers or reheating Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. When reheating, use low heat on the stove to keep the creaminess. Add a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your stew. Consider adding a handful of fresh thyme or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker stew, blend a portion of the beans before adding the kale and coconut milk. This will create a creamier texture without losing the bean goodness. Spice Variations: For a different flavor profile, experiment with spices like cumin or curry powder. These can add a delightful twist to the traditional stew. Leftover Storage: This stew stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, add a splash of vegetable broth to loosen it up, as it may thicken while sitting. {{image_2}} You can easily change this stew to fit your needs. Here are some ideas: - Dietary Restrictions: If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free broth. For a low-sodium choice, look for low-sodium beans and broth. - Adding Proteins: For extra heartiness, add cooked chicken or sausage. Just sauté them with the onions before adding other ingredients. - Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to switch out the kale for spinach in spring. In fall, try adding butternut squash or sweet potatoes for sweetness. You can play with flavors to make this stew your own: - Adding Spices: For a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. This adds warmth and depth. - Alternative Broths: Try using chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. This gives the stew a richer taste. - Vegan Modifications: To keep it vegan, ensure all ingredients are plant-based, and try using almond milk instead of coconut milk for a lighter texture. To keep your creamy garlic white bean stew fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps maintain flavor. - Time limits: Consume within 3 to 5 days for the best taste. - Freezing: You can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn. When it’s time to enjoy your stew again, use these methods: - Stovetop: Pour the stew into a pot. Heat over medium-low, stirring often. - Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. - Maintaining creaminess: Add a splash of coconut milk while reheating to keep it creamy. - Refreshing flavors: Stir in a pinch of salt or fresh parsley to brighten the taste. Can I make this stew ahead of time? Yes, you can make this stew ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge. Heat it up when you're ready to eat. How do I thicken the stew if it's too thin? If your stew is too thin, try mashing some beans. Use a fork or potato masher to break them down. This will add creaminess and thickness. You can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. What are the health benefits of white beans? White beans are very healthy. They are high in protein and fiber. This helps you feel full longer. They also have vitamins and minerals like iron and magnesium. Is this stew suitable for meal prep? Yes, this stew is great for meal prep. It stores well and can last in the fridge for about five days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. What wines pair well with creamy garlic white bean stew? Light white wines work best. Look for Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines will not overpower the dish. Can I adjust the amount of garlic without affecting flavor? Yes, you can adjust the garlic. Use less if you prefer a milder taste. But garlic adds depth, so keep some in for the best flavor. This blog post covered how to make a creamy garlic white bean stew. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best taste. I shared ideas for variations and how to store leftovers. In the end, cooking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing your stew with others. Happy cooking!$

Creamy Garlic White Bean Stew

A hearty and creamy stew made with white beans, vegetables, and coconut milk, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Vegetarian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 cup kale, chopped
1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until the onions are translucent (about 5-6 minutes).
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the drained white beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the stew cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
After the cooking time, stir in the chopped kale and coconut milk. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the kale is wilted and the stew is creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Use full-fat coconut milk for extra creaminess.

Keyword comfort food, garlic, stew, vegan, white beans