Mediterranean White Bean Stew (Printable Version)

Hearty white beans simmered with vegetables and Mediterranean spices in a flavorful olive oil broth.

# What You Need:

→ Beans & Broth

01 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
05 - 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
06 - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

→ Vegetables

07 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
08 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
09 - 2 cups chopped kale or spinach

→ Spices & Herbs

10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
17 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add sliced carrots and diced red bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Sprinkle in ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to coat vegetables thoroughly in spices.
05 - Add drained white beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
06 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender and flavors have melded.
07 - Stir in chopped kale or spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
08 - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
09 - Ladle stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day.
  • One pot means less to clean and more time to actually enjoy dinner.
  • The flavors are bold enough to satisfy but gentle enough to eat on even the hardest days.
02 -
  • Don't skip the rinsing step for canned beans, or your broth will turn cloudy and starchy instead of silky and clear.
  • Adding the greens at the very end is non-negotiable if you want them to stay green and tender rather than turning into pond water.
03 -
  • A generous drizzle of fresh olive oil right before serving adds a silky mouthfeel and a punch of Mediterranean flavor that makes people notice.
  • Keep those lemon wedges close and don't let anyone finish their bowl without squeezing fresh lemon over it, because that brightness is what completes the whole experience.
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