Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew (Vegan)

Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew is the perfect plant-based comfort food, combining hearty white beans and earthy mushrooms in a savory, herb-infused broth.

This stew is packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, making it an excellent choice for chilly nights or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying. The creamy texture from the beans and the umami richness of the mushrooms make this stew a wholesome meal that everyone will love.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle

Ingredients Overview

• White Beans: Cannellini or Great Northern beans add creaminess and protein.
• Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms provide an earthy, savory base.
• Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery create a flavorful mirepoix.
• Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves give the stew a fragrant depth.
• Broth: Vegetable broth serves as the flavorful liquid base.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
2. Cook the Mushrooms:
   Add the mushrooms to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and start to brown.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings:
   Stir in the garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Beans and Broth:
   Add the white beans, vegetable broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Optional Greens:
   Stir in the chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking if desired.
6. Finish the Stew:
   Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve:
   Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.

Recipe Tips

• Creamier Texture: Blend a portion of the stew with an immersion blender and stir it back in for extra creaminess.
• Add Protein: Toss in some tofu cubes or tempeh for added protein.
• Herb Substitutions: Use fresh herbs if available, doubling the quantity of dried herbs.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping.
• A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to make it more filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this stew?
Yes! Allow the stew to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

How long does it keep in the fridge?
This stew will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I use dried beans?
Absolutely! Soak and cook the beans in advance, then use them in the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for extra flavor.
• Pair with a warm herbal tea or a light red wine.

Ingredients

White beans, mushrooms, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, kale or spinach, lemon, olive oil, salt, pepper

Instructions

1. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until browned.
3. Stir in garlic and seasonings, cooking until fragrant.
4. Add beans, broth, and bay leaf; simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Stir in greens and lemon juice if desired.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

This Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew is a nourishing, flavorful, and easy-to-make vegan dish that’s perfect for any occasion!