
White Bean Stew
A hearty, soul-warming Mediterranean-style white bean stew simmered with aromatic vegetables, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This wholesome, plant-forward dish is rich in fiber and plant protein, deeply satisfying, and comes together in under an hour — perfect for a nourishing weeknight dinner.
4 servings · Prep 15 min · Cook 40 min · Total 55 min
Mediterranean · Dinner · Soup
Ingredients
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3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion finely diced
4 cloves garlic minced
2 medium carrots peeled and diced
2 stalks celery diced
1 tsp ground cumin
0.5 tsp smoked paprika
0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
1 can diced tomatoes
2 can cannellini beans rinsed and drained
3 cup vegetable broth low-sodium
2 whole bay leaves
2 cup baby spinach roughly chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
0.75 tsp fine sea salt plus more
0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
0.25 cup fresh parsley roughly chopped
crusty bread for serving
Equipment
Stovetop
Dutch Oven
Mixing Bowl
Pot
Wooden Spoon
Knife
Ladle
Cutting Board
Potato Masher
Instructions
- Heat the @[Extra-Virgin Olive Oil] in a large #[Dutch Oven] or heavy-bottomed #[Pot] over ^[medium heat]. Add the diced @[Yellow Onion], @[Carrots], and @[Celery]. Cook, stirring occasionally, for ~[7–8 minutes] until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced @[Garlic], @[Cumin], @[Smoked Paprika], and @[Red Pepper Flakes] (if using). Stir and cook for ~[1–2 minutes] until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Pour in the diced @[Tomatoes] (with their juices), rinsed @[Cannellini Beans], @[Vegetable Broth], and @[Bay Leaves]. Stir to combine. Season with @[Fine Sea Salt] and @[Black Pepper]. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to ^[medium-low] and simmer uncovered for ~[25–30 minutes], stirring occasionally, until the broth thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Using the back of a spoon or a #[Potato Masher], gently mash about one-quarter of the @[Cannellini Beans] directly in the pot. This naturally thickens the stew and gives it a creamy, hearty body without adding any cream.
- Stir in the @[Baby Spinach] and @[Lemon Juice]. Cook for ~[2–3 minutes] until the spinach is wilted. Remove and discard the @[Bay Leaves]. Taste and adjust @[Fine Sea Salt] and @[Black Pepper] as needed.
- Ladle the stew into bowls, drizzle with a little @[Extra-Virgin Olive Oil], and garnish with @[Fresh Parsley]. Serve with @[Crusty Bread] for dipping.






