Mediterranean White Bean Stew (Printable)

Hearty white bean stew with vegetables in aromatic olive oil broth

# Components:

→ Beans & Broth

01 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
05 - 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
06 - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

→ Vegetables

07 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
08 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
09 - 2 cups chopped kale or spinach

→ Spices & Herbs

10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
17 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Method:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the carrots and red bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices.
05 - Add the white beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
06 - Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
07 - Stir in the kale or spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes until wilted.
08 - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its the kind of stew that tastes like it simmered all day but comes together in under an hour
  • The combination of smoked paprika and cumin creates this incredibly rich depth without any meat
  • Everything cooks in one pot, meaning less cleanup and more time for bread dipping
02 -
  • The stew thickens considerably as it sits, so if you are making it ahead, thin with a splash of broth or water when reheating
  • Letting the spices toast in the hot oil before adding liquid is what transforms them from dusty to deeply flavorful
03 -
  • Use a potato masher to lightly crush about one cup of beans against the side of the pot during simmering for an extra creamy broth without adding cream
  • If you can find them, adding a pinch of saffron threads to the broth creates an incredibly luxurious depth that elevates the entire dish
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