Vegetable and Bean Stew

Name: Vegetable and Bean Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 pcs onion (large, diced); 4 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 2 pcs carrot (medium, peeled and diced); 2 pcs celery (stalks, diced); 2 pcs potato (medium, peeled and cubed); 0.33 cup dried kidney beans (soaked overnight and drained); 0.33 cup dried cannellini beans (soaked overnight and drained); 2 pcs tomato (medium, chopped); 4 cup water; 2 pcs bay leaf; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 pinch smoked paprika; 1 pinch black pepper; 0.5 tsp salt; 2 tbsp parsley (fresh, chopped, for garnish)

RATING

4.4/5(112)

TASTE SCORE

7/10

A warm, comforting bowl of tender root vegetables and creamy beans simmered together in a light, herby broth. This no-fuss stew comes together in one pot and tastes even better the next day. Serve with crusty bread for a cozy, filling meal.

PREP

20m

COOK

35m

SERVES

1 CUP

243 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 5 STEPS

prep
Soak the beans overnight.
Rinse the kidney beans and cannellini beans. Place them in a large bowl, cover with plenty of water, and let soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
TIPIf you forget to soak overnight, use the quick-soak method: boil beans for 2 minutes, cover, and let sit for 1 hour before draining.
saute · ~6 min
Sauté the aromatics.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
saute · ~4 min
Add the vegetables and spices.
Add the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the vegetables pick up some color.
simmer · ~30 min
Simmer the stew with beans and tomatoes.
Add the soaked and drained beans, chopped tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, and water to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, or until the beans and potatoes are completely tender.
TIPKeep the lid slightly ajar if you prefer a thicker stew. For a creamier texture, mash a few beans against the side of the pot before serving.
garnish
Finish and serve.
Remove the bay leaves. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

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 beans overnight to ensure even cooking and a creamy texture.
2
Cut the potato cubes the same size as the bean pieces for uniform doneness.
3
For a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce the broth.
4
Mash a few beans against the pot wall before serving to naturally thicken the stew.
5
This stew tastes even better the next day, so consider making it a day ahead.
6
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for 3 months.
7
If using canned beans instead of dried, use two 15-oz cans (rinsed) and reduce the simmer time to 15 minutes.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

add leafy greens

Add-leafy-greens

Stir in 2 cups of chopped kale or Swiss chard during the last 10 minutes of simmering for extra vitamins and a pop of green color.

low oil

Low-oil

Use vegetable broth instead of water and skip the olive oil — dry-sauté the aromatics in a splash of broth to reduce the total fat content.

high protein

High-protein

Add 1 cup of diced cooked chicken or turkey along with the beans for a more substantial protein boost that still complements the vegetables.

smoky sausage

Smoky-sausage

Brown 4 oz of sliced smoked turkey or chicken sausage after cooking the onion, then proceed with the recipe for a meaty, smoky flavor without extra prep.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

✓

Rich in Plant-Based Protein

The combination of kidney beans and cannellini beans provides a solid dose of protein, making this a satisfying meal that supports muscle repair and satiety.

✓

High in Dietary Fiber

Both beans and root vegetables like carrots and potatoes supply soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.

✓

Packed with Antioxidants

Tomatoes, carrots, and smoked paprika contain vitamins A and C along with lycopene and carotenoids that help fight inflammation and support immune health.

✓