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: 1 can (15 oz) of white beans, drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon thyme; 1 teaspoon rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making this Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew for my family. It's the perfect dish to warm us up as we gather around the table, especially on chilly weekends. The combination of creamy white beans and fresh vegetables creates a wholesome comfort food that doesn't take much time to prepare. Plus, the flavors meld beautifully as it simmers, offering both depth and satisfaction with every spoonful. I can already tell this recipe will become a cherished part of our Sunday traditions.

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:52:10.142Z

Every time I make this creamy white bean stew, I find myself reminiscing about cozy Sundays spent with family. The blend of aromatic herbs and spices brings warmth that radiates through the kitchen, making it truly special. I've found that soaking the beans overnight enhances their texture and creaminess, creating a comforting base that pairs perfectly with garlic and vegetables.

The beauty of this stew is its versatility—feel free to add in whatever vegetables you have on hand. I once tossed in some kale and it turned out great! This dish continues to evolve with each batch, keeping my family excited about the next meal.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy texture that comforts the soul
Packed with wholesome ingredients for nutrition
Perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner

      

Technique Tips for a Perfect Stew

When sautéing the vegetables at the beginning, aim for a medium heat to soften them without browning. This will ensure that they release their natural sweetness, which is crucial for the stew’s flavor base. Stir occasionally, allowing the onions to become translucent and the carrots to soften to a tender but not mushy state, which should take around 5-7 minutes.

Using an immersion blender is key to achieving the right consistency in the stew. Blend it just enough to create a creamy texture while retaining some bean chunks for added heartiness. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a countertop blender, but be cautious as hot liquids can splatter.

Ingredient Roles and Substitutions

The white beans are the star of this dish, providing a creamy texture and a protein boost. If you're short on time, you can use canned white beans, but for a more homemade touch, cooking dried beans is a fantastic option. Just soak and cook them ahead of time, allowing for fuller flavor absorption during the simmering stage.

The heavy cream enhances the stew's richness, but for a lighter alternative, coconut cream works beautifully. It adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory vegetables and herbs. For a vegan version, coconut cream is an excellent substitute that keeps the dish creamy without the dairy.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

To elevate your presentation, consider garnishing the stew with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme. They will add a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the dish. Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to make the meal even more filling. A drizzle of olive oil on top before serving can also enhance the taste.

This stew is perfect for meal prepping; it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring gently to restore its creamy consistency.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a hearty meal:

For the Stew

1 can (15 oz) of white beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your stew:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Beans and Broth

Add the drained white beans, vegetable broth, thyme, and rosemary to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Let it cook for 20 minutes so the flavors can meld together.

Blend and Cream

After simmering, use an immersion blender to blend the stew until it's creamy but still has some bean chunks for texture. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for another 5 minutes.

Serve

Ladle the stew into bowls and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or crusty bread on the side.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this a great recipe for meal prep.

Storage Instructions

To store this creamy white bean stew, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it can last up to four days, making it ideal for meal prep. Make sure to label your container with the date so you know when to consume it.

If you prefer to freeze it, portion out the stew in freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight or reheat from frozen on the stovetop over low heat. Just remember to stir often to prevent sticking.

Flavor Enhancements

For those who enjoy a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the initial sauté stage. This will infuse a nice heat into the vegetables and complement the creaminess of the stew. Another excellent addition is a splash of lemon juice right before serving, which adds brightness to the overall flavor profile.

Experimenting with different herbs can also transform this basic recipe. Instead of thyme and rosemary, try using Italian seasoning or fresh basil for a different twist. Adjusting these herbs can give you a new version of the stew each time you make it, catering to your family's taste preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this stew vegan?

Absolutely! Simply use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and ensure your vegetable broth is vegan.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Can I freeze the stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.