Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is a comforting and nourishing dish that comes together quickly. Combining tender white beans, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a velvety vegan cream, it’s perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

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), drained and rinsed
• 1¼ cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch (or tapioca starch, or cornstarch)
• 2 cups baby greens (such as baby 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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado or olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they soften.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk the arrowroot starch with a splash of vegetable broth until smooth. Then combine this mixture with the remaining broth.
5. Step 5: Pour the broth mixture into the saucepan with the tomatoes and onion. Add the drained white beans and let simmer gently for 5 minutes until the stew thickens slightly and is heated through.
6. Step 6: Stir in the vegan cream cheese until fully melted and integrated. Add the baby greens and cook just until they wilt, about 1 minute.
7. Step 7: Mix in the lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
8. Step 8: Serve the stew on its own, or over rice, quinoa, or toasted bread for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, try using cashew cream instead of vegan cream cheese.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, add a bit more arrowroot starch dissolved in broth towards the end of cooking.
• Swap baby greens for kale or Swiss chard for a heartier texture.
• Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes can bring a subtle warmth to the dish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the stew has thickened too much. This stew does not freeze very well due to the delicate greens and cream elements.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute canned diced tomatoes, but fresh cherry tomatoes add a lovely sweetness and texture that really enhance this dish.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely. All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, and arrowroot starch is a great gluten-free thickener option.

Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 125 reviews

This creamy tomato white bean stew is a comforting, plant-based dish featuring cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and white beans in a savory tomato broth enriched with vegan cream cheese and fresh greens. Perfectly seasoned and garnished with fresh basil, it offers a hearty, nutritious meal that can be enjoyed on its own or over rice, quinoa, or toast.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 small yellow onion, sliced
• 8 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups baby greens (baby arugula or spinach)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced (to garnish)

Pantry Staples

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1¼ cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch (or tapioca starch/cornstarch)
• 1 small lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil

Dairy Alternatives

• ¼ cup vegan cream cheese (or substitute with coconut cream or cashew cream)

Instructions

1. Sauté Onion and Tomatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado or olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the tomatoes soften.
2. Add Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook while stirring constantly for about one minute until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly.
3. Prepare Thickening Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk the arrowroot starch with a small splash of vegetable broth to create a slurry. Then mix this into the remaining vegetable broth.
4. Simmer Beans and Broth: Pour the broth mixture into the saucepan with the vegetables. Add the cannellini beans and let simmer gently for 5 minutes until the stew slightly thickens and the beans are warmed through.
5. Add Cream Cheese and Greens: Stir in the vegan cream cheese until it melts completely into the stew, creating a creamy texture. Add the baby greens and cook for about 1 minute until wilted. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with the sliced fresh basil. Serve the stew over rice, quinoa, greens, or enjoy on its own with toast.

Notes

• You can substitute vegan cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream for a different creamy texture and flavor.
• If arrowroot starch is unavailable, tapioca starch or cornstarch are suitable substitutes for thickening.
• This stew is versatile and can be served as a main dish or alongside grains or bread.
• For extra protein, add sautéed tofu or tempeh on the side.
• Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

Keywords: creamy tomato stew, white bean stew, vegan stew, plant-based dinner, tomato and bean soup, easy vegan recipes, healthy stew, one-pot meal