Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, vibrant, and packed with plant-based goodness, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew. Each spoonful is bursting with bright tomato flavor, silky vegan cream, and perfectly tender beans—truly comfort food with a nourishing twist!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew! Every ingredient is there for a reason—each lends an essential flavor, nourishing boost, or color to make this stew extra special.

• Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and builds a savory base.
• Cherry tomatoes: Bring juicy pops of freshness and a gentle tang.
• Garlic cloves: Four cloves keep the flavors bold and inviting.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Enhance the stew with a concentrated, umami-rich tomato depth.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies color and taste, delivering perfect richness in the background.
• Cannellini beans (or other white beans): Creamy, mild, and protein-packed—they soak up all those savory flavors!
• Vegetable broth: Keeps the stew light but deeply flavorful; use low-sodium for more control over seasoning.
• Arrowroot, tapioca, or cornstarch: This little thickener gives the broth its silky, spoon-coating texture.
• Baby greens (arugula or spinach): Stirred in at the last moment for vibrant color and a gentle bitter bite.
• Vegan cream cheese (or coconut/cashew cream): The secret to that creamy, luscious finish—just stir and let it melt.
• Salt and pepper: Round out flavors; season to taste at the end.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and a hint of zing to balance all the richness.
• Fresh basil: The ultimate aromatic garnish—don’t skip it!

Variations

The beauty of this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is how endlessly adaptable it is! Don’t hesitate to mix things up—whether you’re catering to dietary needs, using what you have on hand, or following your craving for a new flavor twist.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño in with the garlic for a gentle kick.
• Switch up the greens: Try kale or Swiss chard for heartier texture, or even baby collards for a Southern spin.
• Hearty grains: Stir in cooked quinoa, farro, or rice right at the end for a more substantial meal-in-a-bowl.
• Dairy switches: If not vegan, you can use regular cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream—simply swap in what you love!

How to Make Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics & Tomatoes

Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive or avocado oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and let them soften for about three minutes, then toss in those vibrant cherry tomatoes. Stir frequently, and after about five minutes, you’ll see the tomatoes start to break down—your kitchen will smell heavenly already!

Step 2: Build Deep Tomato Flavor

Add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pan. Keep stirring for about a minute—this brief time is enough for the tomato paste to darken and caramelize, unlocking even more savory depth.

Step 3: Thicken and Simmer

In a small bowl, whisk your arrowroot (or starch of choice) with just a splash of vegetable broth until smooth. Add this to the rest of the broth, then pour it all into the pan along with your beans. Drop the heat to a gentle simmer and let the flavors meld and thicken for about five minutes.

Step 4: Finish with Creaminess and Greens

Now for the magic touch: stir in your vegan cream cheese and let it melt in completely—this is where the stew becomes irresistibly creamy. Fold in the baby greens and just let them wilt. Finish with fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls, and don’t forget that flourish of fresh basil on top!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Garnishes

Basil is a must—those fragrant green ribbons make the whole bowl pop. For extra flair, try a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes. If cheese is your thing, vegan parmesan or a few dollops of herbed cashew cream are absolute bliss stirred into this creamy tomato stew.

Side Dishes

This stew is a total chameleon: ladle it over fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, a mound of baby greens, or with a thick-cut slice of sourdough toast to soak up every last drop. Crusty bread, pita, or even rosemary focaccia make perfect dippers for your cozy bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew in little ramekins as a starter at dinner parties, or pour over roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty main. You can also swirl it into grain bowls, or top with extra roasted veggies for a colorful, Instagram-worthy meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew in an airtight container in your refrigerator—it’ll stay delicious for up to four days. The flavors deepen with a little time, making leftovers taste even better!

Freezing

This stew freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Store for up to two months, and thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. Just know that the greens will soften a bit more after freezing, but the flavor shines on.

Reheating

Reheat Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring often. If it looks a bit thick, add a splash of water or broth until it’s beautifully creamy again. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and stir halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in a flash, Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew has your back. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or customize it to your taste, it’s sure to become a family favorite—so grab a spoon (and maybe a slice of crusty bread) and dig in!

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