Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew

Name: Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: serves 4
Ingredients: 2 cans of white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups vegetable broth; 1 carrot, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Simple Comfort Food Favorites

I love preparing this Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew as a comforting weekend meal that warms the soul. Each spoonful is a celebration of robust flavors and creamy texture, making it the perfect dish to gather around the table with loved ones. It’s hearty enough to satisfy yet light enough to enjoy any time of year. I appreciate that it comes together quickly using simple, wholesome ingredients, turning a few pantry staples into something truly special. Enjoying this stew with a crusty piece of bread is simply irresistible!

Created by

June Weatherby

Last updated on 2026-01-11T20:05:35.849Z

When I first made this Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew, I realized how much flavor can be coaxed from simple ingredients. I’ve learned that using a mix of fresh herbs enhances the stew's aroma and depth. The creaminess comes from blending part of the beans, thickening the broth, and giving it that rich consistency we all crave on a cozy Sunday afternoon.

Another tip I've found useful is to let the stew rest a few minutes after cooking; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a crisp salad, making it an ideal centerpiece for any weekend gathering.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that soothes the soul
Rich flavors from herbs and spices
Perfectly filling without being heavy

The Heart of the Stew: Beans and Broth

The foundation of this Creamy White Bean Stew lies in the combination of white beans and vegetable broth. Canned white beans are ideal for convenience, saving you prep time while still delivering a rich flavor. I recommend using navy or cannellini beans as they offer a creamy texture that blends beautifully into the stew. When selecting your vegetable broth, opt for a low-sodium version to control the saltiness—seasoning with salt and pepper at the end allows for better flavor balance, especially since some broths can be surprisingly salty.

Simmering the beans in vegetable broth infuses them with herbal notes that deepen the stew's flavor. Be sure to bring your stew to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer; this initial heat helps meld the flavors more effectively. A simmering time of about 20 minutes ensures the beans absorb the spices while maintaining their texture without turning mushy. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally, to prevent any sticking at the bottom of the pot.

Creaminess Techniques for the Perfect Texture

Achieving the perfect creamy texture is essential for this stew's appeal. Blending half the mixture makes it luxuriously smooth while leaving the other half intact ensures you still have hearty beans and vegetables to enjoy. If using a regular blender, be cautious of hot splashes by allowing the stew to cool slightly or blending in batches. Another tip is to pulse rather than blend continuously to control the texture better—aim for a thick but not completely smooth consistency.

For an extra layer of creaminess, consider adding a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of sour cream just before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but adds a rich mouthfeel that complements the dish beautifully. If you prefer a vegan option, full-fat coconut milk pairs wonderfully without sacrificing creaminess.

Storage, Serving, and Variations

This stew not only shines at the dinner table but also makes for great leftovers. Store any unused portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, gently simmer on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the texture. If it becomes too thick after freezing, a quick stir with some liquid will restore that delicious creaminess.

Consider serving your stew with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for an extra burst of flavor. For variation, add seasonal greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color. You can also experiment with different spices; a pinch of cumin for warmth or lemon zest for brightness can elevate your stew in delightful ways!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start making this stew:

Ingredients

2 cans of white beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups vegetable broth
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your creamy stew:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Add Beans and Broth

Add the drained white beans, vegetable broth, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Blend for Creaminess

Using an immersion blender, blend about half of the stew in the pot until creamy. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer half of the stew to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.

Serve

Once thickened, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Pro Tips

For a heartier version, feel free to add diced potatoes or kale to the stew for added texture and nutrition.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you find yourself without white beans, chickpeas or lentils can be excellent substitutes. Just adjust cooking times—chickpeas should be pre-cooked if using dried to ensure they become tender within the same timeframe. For fresh vegetables, feel free to intersperse seasonal produce like zucchini or bell pepper, which can add extra vitamins and a pop of color, enhancing both presentation and nutrition.

If you’re looking to make this stew gluten-free or reduce carb content, adjust the ingredients accordingly. Using vegetable broth assures the dish remains gluten-free. Should you wish to add a protein, shredded chicken or cooked sausage can easily be integrated, just be mindful of adjusting the seasoning to balance added flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing this Creamy White Bean Stew with crusty bread is a classic choice, perfect for soaking up the creamy broth. Ciabatta or baguette works wonders. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance the stew's richness. The freshness of the salad will enhance the overall dining experience.

For a complete comfort meal, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast on top just before serving can add a delightful umami flavor. Another idea is to serve the stew over a bed of quinoa or brown rice, providing a nutritious grain base that complements the stew's creamy richness while adding fiber and protein.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this stew in advance?

Yes, this stew can be made a day ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for white beans?

You can use cannellini beans or navy beans as substitutes, they will give a similar texture.

→ Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this creamy white bean stew is completely vegan, making it a great meal choice for plant-based diets.

→ How can I make it spicier?

If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños while sautéing the vegetables.