Description
This hearty and flavorful White Bean Mushroom Stew is a comforting vegan dish packed with nutritious vegetables, aromatic herbs, and protein-rich white beans. Perfect for a warming meal, this stew combines sautéed mushrooms, fresh vegetables, and tender beans simmered together in a savory vegetable broth, finished with fresh spinach and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Beans
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics and vegetables.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes, building the stew’s foundational flavors.
- Cook Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are browned and have released their moisture, approximately 8 minutes, enhancing the stew’s umami depth.
- Add Vegetables: Add the diced carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften, adding texture and sweetness to the stew.
- Season: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and allow the herbs and spices to release their aromas.
- Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the drained white beans. Stir thoroughly to mix the ingredients.
- Simmer Stew: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and incorporated into the stew.
- Finish with Lemon: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice to brighten and enhance the overall flavor profile of the stew.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt or black pepper if needed for perfect balance.
- Serve: Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, herbal finish.
Notes
- This stew is perfect for meal prepping and tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded further.
- Feel free to substitute other beans like cannellini or navy beans if white beans are unavailable.
- Use fresh herbs if you have them on hand for a brighter herb flavor.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during seasoning.
- Serve with crusty bread or over cooked grains such as rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
