Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew

Name: Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

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I absolutely love making this Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew as a cozy dish for family gatherings. The richness and creaminess of the white beans combined with a medley of vegetables creates a comforting and nutritious meal that's perfect for chilly evenings. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it's also incredibly satisfying. I enjoy serving it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth, making it a favorite in my household every Sunday. Give it a try; you won't be disappointed!

Created by

Seraphina Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-13T07:19:36.738Z

When I first tried making a creamy white bean stew, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. After experimenting with various herbs and spices, I landed on a delightful combination that makes this dish sing with flavor. The béchamel style creaminess adds a comforting touch, which I find essential for a Sunday meal.

One key tip I’ve learned is to let the stew simmer gently; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. I also love to top it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving, as it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. Enjoying a bowl of this stew truly feels like a warm hug on a plate!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy texture that soothes the soul
A hearty, plant-based meal that warms you up
Packed with nutritious ingredients for a healthy boost

      

Mastering the Creamy Base

The key to achieving the rich, creamy texture of this stew lies in the heavy cream. It adds a velvety mouthfeel that elevates the dish. I recommend using high-quality cream for the best results; this will make the stew more indulgent. If you're looking to reduce calories, you can substitute it with a cashew cream or coconut milk, but this will alter the flavor profile slightly. Ensure to add the cream at the end of cooking to prevent curdling.

Another important element is the white beans, which not only provide creaminess but also a substantial protein source. They should ideally be cooked until soft yet firm to allow them to maintain their shape while cooking in the stew. Canned beans are a great shortcut. Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any excess sodium or preservatives, which can affect the dish's overall flavor.

Enhancing the Flavor Profile

The combination of thyme and smoked paprika is crucial for building depth in this stew. Thyme adds an earthy aroma, while smoked paprika introduces a subtle smokiness that complements the creamy texture beautifully. For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the vegetables. Let it cook off for a couple of minutes before adding the beans and broth, enhancing the overall taste with a fragrant acidity.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes can be added along with the thyme. Start small and adjust to your heat preference; you can always add more but it's hard to dial it back once it’s in! This adds another layer of flavor and can elevate the overall warmth of the dish, making it even more comforting on chilly evenings.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful cooking experience:

Ingredients

2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to measure everything before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious creamy stew:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once heated, sauté the diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper for about 8 minutes or until they are soft and fragrant.

Add the Beans and Broth

Stir in the white beans, vegetable broth, thyme, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.

Finish with Cream

Add the heavy cream to the pot, stirring well to combine. Let the stew simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread for an enjoyable dining experience.

Enjoy your steaming bowl of creamy white bean stew!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Additionally, feel free to customize the veggies based on what’s in your fridge!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This creamy white bean stew is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meals. You can prepare it up to two days in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, making the dish even more delicious on reheating. When you're ready to enjoy it, gently reheat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and add a splash of vegetable broth if it thickens too much.

If you're looking to freeze this stew, be aware that dairy can sometimes separate when thawed. To avoid this, it's best to freeze the stew before adding the heavy cream. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop, adding the cream after it’s heated through. This allows the stew to retain its creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serving this stew with a hunk of crusty bread enhances the experience - it allows you to soak up the delicious broth. A rustic sourdough or whole grain loaf works wonderfully, but feel free to get creative with bread types based on your preference. For an extra touch, you can toast the bread with a little olive oil and garlic before serving, adding both flavor and crunch to your meal.

Consider pairing this stew with a simple side salad, perhaps one featuring leafy greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. The freshness helps to balance the richness of the stew. You could also top the stew with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for an added layer of creaminess.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook them ahead of time. About 1 cup of dried beans is equivalent to 2 cans of canned beans.

→ Is this stew suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This stew keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and also freezes beautifully.

→ How can I make this stew vegan?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy texture without the dairy.

→ What else can I add to the stew?

Feel free to add spinach, kale, or other seasonal vegetables for added nutrition and flavor!