Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this creamy vegan tomato white bean stew! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, bursting with flavor and just the right amount of creaminess that makes it feel indulgent, yet totally guilt-free. I first whipped this up on a chilly evening when I wanted something cozy and satisfying. The smell of garlic and onions sautéing just fills the kitchen with love! And honestly, it’s so easy to make—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a wholesome meal without all the fuss. Each spoonful is packed with wholesome ingredients that not only taste incredible but also make you feel great. Trust me, once you try this stew, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too!
Ingredients for Creamy Vegan Tomato White Bean Stew
- 1 can white beans (15 oz) – drained and rinsed for a fresh taste
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz) – you can use fire-roasted for a smoky flavor!
- 1 cup vegetable broth – homemade or store-bought, whatever you have on hand
- 1 cup coconut milk – give it a good shake before measuring for that creamy goodness
- 1 onion, chopped – I love using yellow onion for its sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic makes all the difference; don’t skimp on this!
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – or use fresh if you have it, it’ll really elevate the flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – a must-have for that classic Italian vibe
- Salt to taste – I recommend starting with a pinch and adjusting as you go
- Pepper to taste – freshly cracked black pepper adds a lovely kick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the onions and garlic to perfection
How to Prepare Creamy Vegan Tomato White Bean Stew
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Start by grabbing a large pot and heating the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in your chopped onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it’s translucent and just starts to caramelize. The smell is going to be heavenly!
Next, add in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. Be careful not to let it burn; we want that lovely garlic flavor, not bitterness. Now, it’s time to bring in the tomatoes. Pour in that can of diced tomatoes along with the vegetable broth and the drained white beans. Stir it all together and let the flavors mingle beautifully.
Now, here comes the creamy part—add the coconut milk! This is where the magic happens. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows all those amazing flavors to blend together, creating a rich and creamy stew.
Once it’s done, just serve it hot! You can top it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting dish, and remember, it’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: In just 30 minutes, you can have a hearty meal ready to enjoy!
- Flavor-packed: The combination of tomatoes, herbs, and coconut milk creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
- Healthy and wholesome: Packed with protein from white beans and rich in vitamins, it’s both nourishing and satisfying.
- Completely vegan: Enjoy this delicious stew without any animal products—everyone can dig in!
- Versatile: Perfect on its own or served with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or lunch the following day!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s talk about some pro tips to make sure your creamy vegan tomato white bean stew turns out absolutely perfect every time! Trust me, these little hints can really elevate your dish.
- **Don’t rush the onions!** Let them cook until they’re really translucent and starting to caramelize. This step adds a depth of flavor that makes all the difference!
- **Use quality canned tomatoes.** Opt for organic or fire-roasted varieties; they’ll add a richer taste to your stew.
- **Adjust the seasoning gradually.** Start with a little salt and pepper, and taste as you go. It’s easier to add than to take away!
- **Experiment with herbs.** If you have fresh herbs like basil or parsley, throw some in just before serving for an extra burst of freshness.
- **Let it simmer longer.** If you have time, let the stew simmer for an extra 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen even more.
- **Serving suggestion:** A splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast on top just before serving can brighten everything up beautifully!
And remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what you love best. So, don’t be afraid to tweak things according to your taste. Enjoy making this stew, and happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious creamy vegan tomato white bean stew, let’s talk about how to make your meal even more delightful! I love to pair this stew with a few simple yet scrumptious sides that really enhance the whole experience.
- Crusty Bread: You can’t go wrong with a warm loaf of crusty bread! Whether it’s a baguette, sourdough, or even some homemade garlic bread, it’s perfect for soaking up all that creamy goodness. Trust me, you’ll want to mop up every last drop!
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa for a heartier meal. The grains soak up the stew beautifully, adding texture and making it even more filling.
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad on the side brings a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the stew. I recommend a simple mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad—so good!
- Roasted Veggies: For a colorful and nutritious addition, serve some roasted vegetables alongside. Think bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots tossed in olive oil and herbs. They add a lovely roasted flavor that complements the stew.
- Vegan Cheese or Avocado: If you’re looking to elevate your stew even more, sprinkle some vegan cheese on top or add slices of creamy avocado. It adds richness and a delightful creaminess that pairs perfectly!
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for. The beauty of this stew is its versatility—so let your creativity shine! Enjoy your meal, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family for an unforgettable experience!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this amazing creamy vegan tomato white bean stew, and now you have some leftovers? Lucky you! This stew not only tastes fantastic fresh, but it also holds up beautifully in the fridge for a few days. Here’s how to store it and reheat it so that it remains delicious!
First things first, let the stew cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your stew watery. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to label it with the date, so you know when you made it—trust me, it’s easy to lose track!
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the stew! Just pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Now, for reheating, you can either use the stovetop or the microwave. If you’re going for the stovetop, pour the stew into a pot and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely (to avoid splatters), and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot.
And here’s a little tip: if the stew looks a bit thicker after being stored, just add a splash of vegetable broth or coconut milk while reheating to bring back that creamy texture. Enjoy your leftovers, and know that this stew is just as comforting the second time around!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, I like to keep things transparent! Just a little heads up—nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, these numbers are just estimates to give you a general idea of how this delicious creamy vegan tomato white bean stew fits into your daily diet.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 8g
As you can see, this stew is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! It’s a great source of fiber and protein, making it a filling option for any meal. So, dig in and enjoy knowing that you’re nourishing your body with every spoonful!
FAQ Section
Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! This creamy vegan tomato white bean stew is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even tastier!
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can! If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, feel free to use them. Just chop about 4-5 medium tomatoes and add them to the pot. You may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re soft and blended into the stew.
How do I thicken the stew?
If you prefer a thicker consistency for your stew, you can simply let it simmer a bit longer without a lid. This will reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors. Alternatively, blend a portion of the stew in a blender and stir it back in for that creamy texture!
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, this creamy vegan tomato white bean stew is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your vegetable broth is also gluten-free if you have any dietary restrictions.
Can I add more vegetables to this stew?
Definitely! This stew is super versatile. You can add in chopped carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach for an extra boost of nutrition. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly so everything gets tender and delicious!
Creamy Vegan Tomato White Bean Stew: 6 Comforting Reasons
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A creamy vegan tomato white bean stew packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 can white beans (15 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and white beans.
- Stir in coconut milk, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can be frozen for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: creamy vegan tomato white bean stew