Name: Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 small yellow onion, sliced; 8 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1¼ cup vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch (or tapioca starch or cornstarch); 2 cups baby greens (like arugula or spinach); ¼ cup vegan cream cheese (or coconut cream or cashew cream); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 small lemon, juiced; ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced, for garnish

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is not only delicious but also comforting and nutritious. This dish combines the rich flavors of tomatoes with the creaminess of white beans, creating a stew that warms the soul. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for meal prep on a lazy weekend. Plus, it’s vegan and packed with veggies, making it a healthy option for everyone.

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How to Make Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Ingredients:

1 small yellow onion, sliced
8 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved
4 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, or other white beans of choice, drained and rinsed
1¼ cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon arrowroot starch, tapioca starch, or cornstarch
2 cups baby greens, like baby arugula or spinach
¼ cup vegan cream cheese (you can also replace with coconut cream or cashew cream)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 small lemon, juiced
¼ cup fresh basil, sliced, to garnish

Directions:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of avocado or olive oil.
Add the sliced onion and sauté for 3 minutes.
Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.
Next, add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook and stir constantly for one minute or until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens in color.
In a separate small bowl, whisk the arrowroot starch with a splash of broth. Then mix this into the rest of the vegetable broth.
Pour the broth into the pan and add the drained beans. Cook for 5 minutes at a low simmer until slightly thickened and warmed through.
Stir in the vegan cream cheese until it melts into the stew.
Add the baby greens and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute. Mix in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Top with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy over rice, quinoa, greens, with toast, or on its own.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Serve the stew hot in bowls. You can add a slice of crusty bread for dipping or serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa for a more filling meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top adds an extra burst of flavor and color.

How to Store Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

You can store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in a microwave until heated through. If the stew thickens upon storage, add a splash of vegetable broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency.

Tips to Make Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Use fresh herbs for added flavor. Fresh basil or parsley works well.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.
For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking.
Adjust the thickness of the stew by adding more or less broth according to your preference.

Variation

You can easily adapt this stew by swapping in different beans, such as chickpeas or navy beans. You can also add other greens like kale or Swiss chard for a twist.

FAQs

Can I freeze Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew?
Yes, you can freeze the stew in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free starch such as arrowroot or cornstarch, this stew is gluten-free.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! You can substitute fresh diced tomatoes for cherry tomatoes, just adjust the cooking time to ensure they break down nicely.