Creamy Garlic White Bean Stew Hearty Dinner Delight

Are you ready for a warm and filling meal? This Creamy Garlic White Bean Stew is your answer! Packed with rich flavor and nutrients, it’s perfect for any dinner table. In this post, I’ll guide you through each step, from simple ingredients to cooking tips. Whether you’re a busy parent or a novice cook, you’ll whip up this hearty delight in no time. Let’s get started!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Creamy: This stew is the perfect blend of creamy coconut milk and hearty white beans, making it an ideal comfort food for chilly evenings.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and beans, this recipe is not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients that support a healthy diet.
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes total cooking time, it’s a simple recipe that fits perfectly into a busy schedule.
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily customize this stew by adding your favorite vegetables or spices, making it a flexible dish for any palate.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup kale, roughly chopped
- 1 cup coconut milk (preferably full-fat for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Optional Additions
You can make your stew even better! Try adding:
- A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
- Chopped spinach for extra greens
- Sliced mushrooms for a meaty texture
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for spice
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
This stew is not just tasty; it’s healthy too! Here’s how:
- White Beans: They are full of protein and fiber. They help keep you full.
- Kale: This leafy green is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. It supports your immune system.
- Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that adds flavor. It’s good for your heart.
- Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties. It has many health benefits.
- Coconut Milk: Provides healthy fats and a creamy texture. It helps make the stew rich and satisfying.
This creamy garlic white bean stew is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! Enjoy the flavors and the health benefits in every spoonful.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Sautéing the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer. Once it’s ready, add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want the onions to turn translucent and the veggies to soften. This step builds a great base for your stew.
Adding Garlic and Spices
Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep stirring so the garlic becomes fragrant but does not burn. After that, add the drained white beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir everything well to mix. This is where the magic begins!
Simmering the Stew
Now, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. This time allows the flavors to blend nicely. After the simmering, add the chopped kale and pour in the coconut milk. Simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes until the kale wilts and the stew becomes creamy. Adjust the taste with salt and black pepper before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Creaminess
To achieve the perfect creamy texture in your stew, always use full-fat coconut milk. This adds richness and smoothness. You can blend part of the white beans for an even creamier base. Just reserve a cup of beans, blend them with some broth, and stir them back in. This makes the stew thick and luscious.
Enhancing the Flavor
To boost the flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Fresh herbs can brighten up the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds a tasty zing. Always taste as you cook, adjusting salt and pepper for your perfect balance. Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth. You can even try a splash of soy sauce for an umami kick.
Cooking Variations for Different Diets
For vegan or gluten-free diets, this stew is already a great choice. If you want more protein, add tofu or tempeh. For a heartier meal, serve it over brown rice or quinoa. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. These options let you customize the stew to fit your needs while keeping it delicious and satisfying.
Pro Tips
- Perfect Bean Choice: Use a mix of cannellini and great northern beans for a more complex texture and flavor in your stew.
- Enhance the Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the beans with the coconut milk before adding it to the stew.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure the flavors develop harmoniously.
- Add a Kick: If you like heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew for an extra layer of flavor.

Variations
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
This creamy garlic white bean stew is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, just use vegetable broth and coconut milk, which it already calls for. You can add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. They will add flavor and color. If you want to add some herbs, try fresh basil or oregano for a fresh twist.
Adding Protein Sources
If you want more protein, consider adding cooked quinoa or lentils. Both options blend well with the stew and keep it hearty. You can also add tofu for a protein boost. Just make sure to sauté the tofu until it’s golden. This will give it a nice texture and flavor.
Spice Level Adjustments
If you love heat, kick up the spice! Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you can control the heat. For a smoky flavor, a bit more smoked paprika works great. You can even add a splash of hot sauce at the end if you want an extra kick.
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
After enjoying your creamy garlic white bean stew, let it cool. Place the stew in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. This makes it easy to have a quick meal later. When you want to eat it, just take it out and enjoy!
Freezing the Stew
If you want to save the stew for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled stew into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready for a warm meal, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. For the stove, pour the stew into a pot. Heat on low, stirring often until it’s hot. If you’re using a microwave, place the stew in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. Enjoy it hot and fresh, just like the first time!
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans. Start by soaking them overnight. After soaking, cook them until soft. This may take about 1-2 hours. Once cooked, drain and rinse before using. You will need about 1.5 cups of cooked beans for this stew.
What can I serve with Creamy Garlic White Bean Stew?
This stew pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with crusty bread for dipping. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. Rice or quinoa can also make it a more filling meal. If you want a side, roasted veggies work great too.
How to make the stew spicier?
To spice up your stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use red pepper flakes for heat. If you like fresh flavors, try adding chopped jalapeños. Just remember to start small. You can always add more spice as it cooks.
This blog post covered how to make a creamy garlic white bean stew. We explored the key ingredients and their health benefits. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for creaminess, and ways to add flavor. You learned about variations for different diets and how to store leftovers.
In closing, this stew is easy and delicious. You can adjust it to fit your taste and needs. Enjoy making it your ow

Creamy Garlic White Bean Stew
Ingredients
- 2 cans white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 cup kale, roughly chopped
- 1 cup coconut milk (preferably full-fat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the mixture for about 5-6 minutes or until the onions become translucent and the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Add the drained white beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, allowing the stew to simmer for 15-20 minutes. This will enable the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After the simmering time, stir in the chopped kale and pour in the coconut milk. Let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kale is wilted and the stew reaches a creamy consistency.
- Adjust the flavor by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve the stew hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.






![- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup mixed vegetables - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Fresh green onions, for garnish When I make Easy Shrimp Fried Rice, I always start with the main ingredients. The jasmine rice gives a lovely aroma and texture. For the shrimp, I prefer fresh, peeled, and deveined ones. They cook quickly and taste great. Seasonings are key to this dish. Soy sauce adds umami, while sesame oil gives a nutty flavor. Always remember to season with salt and pepper to bring out the taste. I love adding optional ingredients for extra flavor and color. Mixed veggies like peas and carrots add a nice crunch. Minced garlic gives it a punch, and fresh green onions on top make it look beautiful. For the full recipe, check out the details. Enjoy cooking! - First, rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water. Use your hands to stir the rice as you rinse. This helps remove excess starch. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. Drain the rice well. - Next, take a medium saucepan. Add the rinsed rice along with 2 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, lower the heat. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The rice will absorb the liquid and become tender. When done, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside to cool. - Now, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 small finely chopped onion. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes. The garlic should smell nice, and the onion will turn clear. - Then, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Spread them out evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, take them out and set them aside on a plate. - In the same skillet, toss in 1 cup of mixed vegetables. Stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes. They should soften but stay colorful. - Next, push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour in 2 large lightly beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble them until fully cooked and a bit golden. - Now, add the cooled jasmine rice to the skillet. Mix it in with the scrambled eggs and vegetables. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, ensuring everything combines well. - Drizzle 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir everything well. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors mix. - Finally, take the skillet off the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch before serving. This is how you create a delicious shrimp fried rice. For the full recipe, check the section above! - Rinse rice for fluffiness: Rinsing jasmine rice helps remove excess starch. This keeps the rice from becoming sticky. Rinse it until the water runs clear. - Avoid overcooking shrimp: Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Remove them from heat as soon as they are done. - Use low-sodium soy sauce: This allows you to control salt levels. It makes your fried rice taste good without too much sodium. - Add extra vegetables for nutrition: Toss in broccoli, peas, or bell peppers. This boosts fiber and vitamins, making your meal healthier. - Recommended garnishes: Fresh green onions add color and taste. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds for a fun crunch. - Pairing options for a complete meal: Serve with a side of steamed veggies or a light salad. This makes your meal balanced and tasty. If you want to dive deeper into the recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily switch out shrimp in this dish. Try using chicken or tofu instead. Both options work great. For chicken, use bite-sized pieces and cook until golden. For tofu, press it to remove water and then cube it. Sauté until crispy. These changes keep the meal tasty and fun! If you want a vegetarian dish, just leave out the shrimp. Increase the number of vegetables instead. You can add more peas, carrots, bell peppers, or even broccoli. This makes the dish colorful and healthy. Plus, you still get a yummy meal that fills you up! Want to make your fried rice pop with flavor? Add spices like chili or ginger. These spices add heat and depth. You can also mix in some citrus zest, like lemon or lime. This adds a fresh, bright taste that enhances the dish. These little changes make a big difference! Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas. To store shrimp fried rice, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the rice fresh and prevents it from drying out. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. When you want to eat it, check for any off smells or changes in texture. If you want to freeze shrimp fried rice, portion it into small containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. This dish can last in the freezer for about one month. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results. For reheating, the stovetop is ideal. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat over medium heat, stirring often. You can also use the microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This way, your shrimp fried rice will taste fresh and full of flavor. For more cooking tips, you can check the [Full Recipe]. To boost flavor, use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic, ginger, and green onions add depth. Try adding a splash of fish sauce for umami. A sprinkle of lime juice brightens the dish. For heat, add chili flakes or sriracha. Lastly, use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. These tips help create a tasty, vibrant meal. Yes, you can prepare shrimp fried rice ahead of time. Cook the rice and shrimp, then store them separately. Keep everything in airtight containers in your fridge. When ready to eat, combine and reheat in a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This method ensures your dish stays fresh and delicious. You can use many veggies to add color and crunch. Consider bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Zucchini and mushrooms also work well. Toss in some corn for sweetness or spinach for extra greens. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. This allows for fun, creative variations. Yes, shrimp fried rice can be gluten-free. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Check labels on other sauces to ensure they are gluten-free. Most vegetables are naturally gluten-free too. By choosing the right ingredients, you can enjoy this dish without worry. It makes for a tasty option for everyone! You learned how to make shrimp fried rice from scratch. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You can easily customize this dish with different proteins and veggies. Remember to store leftovers properly for future meals. Enjoying this dish should be fun and easy. With these steps, you can impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!](https://dishtreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9ac088a4-5695-4856-8853-65ac7e0439f3-768x768.webp)
