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- 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) 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 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. {{ingredient_image_2}} 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. {{image_4}} 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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! 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. 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. 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 own!

Creamy Garlic White Bean Stew

A hearty and creamy stew made with white beans, vegetables, and coconut milk, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vegetarian
Servings 4

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.

Notes

Use full-fat coconut milk for extra creaminess.
Keyword comfort food, healthy, stew, vegan