Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew

Name: Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans of white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Rustic Ideas

I absolutely love making this Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew as a comforting way to wind down after a busy week. The combination of creamy beans, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs creates a deliciously rich dish that warms the soul. It's a perfect meal to share with family or friends around the table. The best part? It comes together in under an hour, making it a fantastic choice for those lazy Sundays when I want something nourishing without spending all day in the kitchen.

Created by

Unity Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:42:35.874Z

When I first made this stew, I was amazed by how simple ingredients could create such depth of flavor. I chose fresh thyme and rosemary to elevate the earthy notes of the beans, and the creaminess really brings comfort to the dish. It's an instant favorite in my home!

To achieve that perfect texture, I puree a portion of the stew before returning it to the pot. This technique not only thickens the stew but also enhances the flavors beautifully. Don't be afraid to play around with the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy, rich texture that soothes the soul
Packed with wholesome ingredients for a nutritious meal
Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd

      

The Heart of the Stew

Creamy white bean stew is a dish that embodies comfort, largely due to its ingredients. The white beans, whether you choose cannellini or great northern, not only provide a velvety texture but also serve as a rich base for the stew. These beans are excellent sources of protein and fiber, making them a nutritious choice. Their ability to absorb flavors means they enhance the overall taste of the stew, ensuring every spoonful is flavorful. When selecting your beans, make sure they are well-drained and rinsed to eliminate excess sodium and starch, resulting in a cleaner taste.

In addition to beans, the medley of vegetables adds depth and balance to the stew. Onions, carrots, and celery create a classic mirepoix that lays the foundation for a rich, aromatic experience. Sautéing these vegetables until they are softened but not browned (~5-7 minutes) allows their natural sugars to release, intensifying their flavor. The garlic, added towards the end of this process, should be cooked just until fragrant—no more than a minute—to prevent bitterness while lending its aromatic qualities to the dish.

Achieving the Perfect Creaminess

The key to that luxurious creamy texture lies in the blending technique. By pureeing about half of the stew, you create a harmonious balance between creamy and chunky textures. If using an immersion blender, be sure to maintain contact with the stew's bottom to avoid splattering. If you're transferring to a standard blender, blend on medium speed for 30-45 seconds until smooth and re-integrate it thoroughly. This not only thickens the stew but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Heavy cream is the secret ingredient that elevates this stew from good to extraordinary. When you stir in the cream towards the end of cooking, it adds a richness that complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the earthiness of the beans. For a lighter option, consider substituting with coconut milk or cashew cream if you're looking for a dairy-free alternative. Just be wary of balancing seasoning, as these alternatives may add sweetness that you might need to counteract with a bit more salt and herbs.

Serving and Storing Your Stew

Serving this creamy white bean stew with crusty bread not only enhances its comfort factor but also makes for a satisfying meal. I recommend a hearty sourdough or whole grain loaf, perfect for dipping into the creamy goodness. For an extra touch, you can toast the bread slices lightly on a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil until golden and crisp—this adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast to the soft stew.

If you're considering meal prep, this stew is an excellent choice. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for longer periods, ideally up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat gently over low until warmed through. If the stew appears too thick upon reheating, adding a splash of vegetable broth can help restore its desired consistency without compromising flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to start your stew:

Ingredients

2 cans of white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Chopped parsley for garnish

Make sure to customize with any additional vegetables you enjoy!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious stew:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add the Beans and Broth

Stir in the white beans, vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15 minutes.

Create Creaminess

Using an immersion blender, blend about half of the stew until smooth. If you don’t have one, transfer half to a blender and blend until creamy before returning it to the pot.

Finish with Cream

Stir in the heavy cream and let the stew simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread!

Don’t forget to let your stew cool before storing any leftovers!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add seasonal vegetables such as spinach or kale for extra nutrition. This stew is also delicious the next day after the flavors meld even further.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe highlights white beans, feel free to swap them out for chickpeas or lentils if you prefer. Each option brings a unique texture and flavor profile. If you can’t find fresh herbs, dried thyme and rosemary work just as well, just halve the amounts to avoid overpowering the dish. Additionally, you can add other vegetables like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of nutrients and a beautiful color contrast.

For those who want to spice things up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the flavor profile. If you enjoy a tangier taste, a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the dish, enhancing the creamy elements and complementing the savory beans.

A Final Touch: Garnishing Your Stew

Presentation matters, especially when serving this stew to guests. Finishing it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish. You can also consider topping it with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an extra layer of flavor sophistication.

If you're feeling adventurous, pair the stew with a side salad featuring tangy vinaigrette or roasted root vegetables for a wholesome meal. These sides complement the creaminess of the stew while adding their unique textures and flavors, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option or use half-and-half for a lighter version.

→ How long does this stew last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it should last 3-4 days in the fridge.

→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just soak and cook your dried beans beforehand according to package instructions.