Kidney Bean Stew

Name: Kidney Bean Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 1 cup kidney beans (dried, soaked overnight and drained); 3 cup water (for cooking beans); 1 tbsp oil; 1 pcs onion (medium, diced); 2 pcs carrot (medium, diced); 2 pcs celery (stalks, diced); 3 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 2 pcs tomato (medium, diced); 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp cumin powder; 1 pcs bay leaf; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch black pepper; 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 2 tbsp parsley (fresh, chopped, for garnish)

RATING

4.4/5(67)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

A hearty, smoky stew with tender kidney beans simmered in a rich tomato-based broth. This one-pot comfort food comes together with simple pantry staples and delivers deep, satisfying flavor with every spoonful.

PREP

15m

COOK

50m

SERVES

1 CUP

236 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 7 STEPS

boil · ~30 min
Cook the kidney beans.
Drain the soaked kidney beans. In a large pot, combine beans with 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 30 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
TIPDo not add salt while boiling beans — it can toughen the skins.
saute · ~7 min
Sauté the vegetables.
Heat oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 6-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
saute · ~4 min
Build the tomato base.
Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and the paste darkens slightly.
TIPScrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot — they add depth.
simmer · ~2 min
Add spices and liquid.
Stir in smoked paprika, cumin powder, and bay leaf. Add the cooked kidney beans and 2 cups water. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
simmer · ~20 min
Simmer the stew.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir once halfway through. The broth will thicken slightly and flavors will meld.
TIPFor a thicker stew, mash a few beans against the side of the pot with your spoon.
mix · ~1 min
Finish with lemon juice.
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
TIPThe lemon juice brightens the whole stew — don't skip it.
garnish
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Ladle into bowls and top with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or steamed rice.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Soak the dried kidney beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
2
Do not add salt while boiling the beans — it can toughen the skins.
3
Sauté the vegetables until they are just softened to build a flavorful base without burning.
4
Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot after adding tomatoes — they add depth.
5
For a thicker stew, mash a few beans against the side of the pot with your spoon before serving.
6
Add the lemon juice at the very end to brighten the entire dish — do not skip it.
7
Let the stew rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving to allow flavors to meld.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

smoky chipotle

Smoky chipotle

Add 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce along with the spices for a smoky, spicy kick. This variation appeals to those who enjoy a bold, heat-forward stew.

hearty vegetable

Hearty vegetable

Stir in 1 cup of diced zucchini or bell pepper with the tomatoes for extra texture and nutrients. Great for adding more vegetables to your meal.

herb infused

Herb-infused

Swap the parsley garnish for fresh cilantro and add 1 teaspoon dried oregano with the spices for a Mediterranean twist.

low oil

Low-oil

Sauté the vegetables in 2-3 tablespoons of water or vegetable broth instead of oil, adding more liquid as needed to prevent sticking. This reduces fat content without sacrificing flavor.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

✓

High in Plant Protein

Kidney beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making this stew a satisfying and muscle-friendly meal for vegetarians and vegans.

✓

Rich in Dietary Fiber

The combination of kidney beans, carrots, and celery provides a substantial amount of dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.

✓