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 (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup carrots, chopped; 1 cup celery, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love making this Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew as a comforting dish for my family. The creamy texture of the beans combined with the rich flavors of garlic and rosemary creates a delightful harmony that warms the soul. I appreciate how easy it is to prepare, letting me spend more time enjoying the meal than cooking it. This hearty stew is perfect for a chilly day and makes for fantastic leftovers, too. Trust me; this will quickly become a staple in your household!

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2026-01-12T00:16:14.644Z

During one of my lazy Sunday afternoons, I decided to experiment with some pantry staples, and that’s how this creamy white bean stew was born. As the beans simmered, the aroma of fresh rosemary filled my kitchen, making it an instant hit with my family. The secret is to sauté the garlic until it's golden, as this step enhances the depth of flavor in the stew.

I've made this stew countless times since that first attempt. Each time, I tweak a few ingredients based on what I have on hand, and it still turns out delicious. Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors, making it even more satisfying. Pair it with crusty bread, and you have a meal that sings comfort!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy texture that comforts on chilly days
Nutritious and packed with flavor
Versatile for using whatever vegetables you have on hand
Perfect for meal prep and makes great leftovers

      

Choosing the Right Beans

The foundation of this stew is the white beans, which not only add creaminess but also provide protein and fiber. Canned white beans, such as cannellini or great northern, are convenient and flavorful. However, if you want to use dried beans, soak about 1 cup overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the stew. This will require extra time, but it yields a lovely, nuanced flavor and texture.

If you're looking for a heartier stew, consider adding chickpeas or substituting half of the white beans for them. This variation will add a unique texture and boost the protein content. Remember, adjusting the beans might require slight modifications in seasoning to suit the new flavor profile.

Enhancing Flavor with Herbs

While dried rosemary is a classic addition, feel free to experiment with fresh herbs. If using fresh rosemary, add extra sprigs during the simmer to infuse more flavor. Similarly, fresh thyme or bay leaves can deepen the stew’s complexity. Make sure to remove them before blending to avoid any texture issues.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing process can elevate the dish's flavor profile. It’s a small adjustment, but it adds a delightful warmth that counters the creamy beans beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your creamy white bean stew:

Ingredients

2 cans (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley for garnish

Once you have all your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your stew:

Sauté the vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Combine ingredients

Add the white beans, vegetable broth, and dried rosemary to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

Blend for creaminess

Using an immersion blender, blend a portion of the stew until creamy, leaving some beans whole for texture. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer a portion to a countertop blender and blend, then return it to the pot.

Finish and serve

Stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and enjoy with crusty bread.

Now your hearty stew is ready to be devoured!

Pro Tips

For additional flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during the simmering process or incorporating spinach at the end for a nutrient boost.

Storage Tips

This stew stores remarkably well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When keeping leftovers, allow the stew to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps preserve the creamy texture without overcooking the beans.

If you want to keep the stew for longer, consider freezing it. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can last in the freezer for about 3 months; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly on the stove.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this stew with a side of crusty bread or toast to soak up the creamy goodness. A light salad with fresh greens can complement the richness of the stew beautifully, adding a crisp texture.

For added elegance, drizzle some high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the finished stew before serving. This enhances the flavor and adds a glistening finish that makes the dish look even more inviting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just soak and cook the dried beans beforehand, and then follow the recipe as directed.

→ How long will this stew last in the fridge?

It should last up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

→ Can I freeze the stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

→ What can I serve with this stew?

Crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even over rice or quinoa works beautifully.