Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew

$Here’s what you need to make a cozy white bean mushroom stew: - 2 cups cooked white beans - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups mushrooms, sliced - 1 medium carrot, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 cups kale, chopped - Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional) These fresh and simple ingredients bring the stew to life. The white beans provide protein and creaminess. The mushrooms add depth and earthy flavors. The onion and garlic create a savory base. Carrots and celery bring sweetness and crunch. Finally, kale adds a healthy green touch, making the stew balanced and vibrant. Each ingredient plays a role in building warmth and flavor, creating the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Choose high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best taste. You can adjust the seasoning based on your preference, too. Don’t forget the parsley for a lovely finish! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to gather your ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 cups cooked white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced - 1 medium carrot, diced into small cubes - 1 celery stalk, diced - 4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 cups kale, stems removed and chopped - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional) For equipment, you need a large, heavy-bottomed pot. A cutting board and a sharp knife will help you prep the veggies quickly. 1. Sautéing the onions and garlic In your pot, warm the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes. Stir it occasionally until the onion turns soft and clear. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute. Keep stirring until the garlic smells nice and turns light gold. 2. Adding mushrooms and vegetables Now, it’s time for the mushrooms. Add the sliced mushrooms, diced carrot, and diced celery to the pot. Stir everything together and keep cooking for about 8-10 minutes. You want the mushrooms to lose their moisture and turn a nice brown color. 3. Incorporating broth and beans Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer. Next, add the drained white beans, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Let the stew simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir it occasionally to help the flavors blend well. 4. Final adjustments and serving After the stew has simmered, add the chopped kale. Cook for another 5 minutes until the kale wilts and softens. Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the pot from the heat and ladle the stew into bowls. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for garnish. - Prep time: 15 minutes - Total cook time: 50 minutes - Suggested serving size: 4 This hearty stew is not just warm; it’s full of flavors and good for you. Enjoy! To boost the flavor, try adding more smoked paprika or fresh herbs. You can use rosemary or thyme for a fresh taste. If you prefer a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For sautéing, heat the olive oil until it shimmers. This helps the onions turn soft and sweet. When you add garlic, stir it often. This keeps it from burning. Serve this stew with crusty bread. It makes a perfect match for dipping. You can also add a side salad for freshness. For a beautiful look, use rustic bowls and sprinkle extra parsley on top. A dash of paprika can enhance the color too. Feel free to swap in other veggies. Zucchini or spinach can work well too. For protein, consider adding cooked chicken or sausage. Tofu is a great vegan option. These changes can add a nice twist to your stew. Pro Tips Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh thyme or parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness. Bean Variations: Feel free to mix different types of beans for added texture and flavor, like mixing black beans or pinto beans. Make Ahead: This stew can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Spice Level: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up! {{image_4}} You can switch up the beans in this stew. While I love using cannellini or great northern beans, you can try navy beans or even pinto beans. Each type offers a unique taste and texture. For a fun twist, you might add colorful beans like kidney or black beans. These not only add a pop of color but also more nutrients. Mixing beans brings extra fiber and protein, which makes the stew even heartier. To take your stew to the next level, think about adding spices or herbs. A pinch of cumin or a dash of cayenne can add warmth. Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage also work wonders. Don't forget about the broth! You can use a rich mushroom broth for deeper flavor. A bit of white wine in the broth can give a nice depth, too. These simple tweaks can elevate your stew from good to great. If you want to make this stew vegan, you’re already in luck! Just use vegetable broth. To make it gluten-free, ensure your broth is gluten-free. Most vegetable broths are, but check the label. If you’re avoiding allergens, be mindful of ingredients. You can skip the garlic or onion if needed. It's all about making this cozy dish fit your needs while keeping it delicious. To keep your stew fresh, first let it cool. Transfer it into a container. I recommend using an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents odors. You can store it in the fridge for up to five days. If you want, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This adds an extra layer of protection. To freeze the stew, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, you can use the microwave. Just make sure to heat it evenly. In the fridge, the stew lasts about five days. In the freezer, it stays good for three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks odd, it’s best to toss it. This way, you ensure you enjoy the stew at its best. Can I use dried beans instead of canned? Yes, you can use dried beans. Soak them overnight and cook them until they are soft. This takes longer but adds great flavor. Just keep in mind that you will need about 1 cup of dried beans for every 2 cups of cooked beans. What can I substitute for kale? You can use spinach or Swiss chard instead of kale. Both options will wilt nicely in the stew. If you want a crunch, try using bok choy. It adds a nice texture while keeping it healthy. How do I make the stew thicker? To thicken the stew, mash some of the white beans against the pot. You can also stir in a spoonful of cornstarch mixed with water. This will help create a heartier texture without changing the flavor. Is it okay to cook it in a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook this stew in a slow cooker. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic on the stove. Then add all other ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method brings out deep flavors. What is the nutritional value of this stew? This stew is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins. One serving has about 200 calories, 10 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fiber. It is also low in fat and full of healthy veggies. Can this recipe be adapted for weight loss? Yes, this recipe is already quite healthy. To adapt it further, use less oil or skip the salt. You can also add more veggies to increase volume without adding many calories. This keeps it filling and nutritious. This post covered how to make a hearty bean stew. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and flavorful tips. You now know how to prepare it in less than an hour. Feel free to adapt the recipe with different veggies or spices. Don't forget to savor your stew and share it with friends. Enjoy the warmth and comfort this dish brings. Happy cooking!$

Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew

A comforting and hearty stew made with white beans, mushrooms, and kale, perfect for chilly days.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
1 medium carrot, diced into small cubes
1 stalk celery, diced
4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
to taste fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, warm the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely diced onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent.
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is aromatic and lightly golden.
Incorporate the sliced mushrooms, diced carrot, and celery into the pot. Stir the mixture and continue cooking for about 8-10 minutes, or until the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to caramelize, developing a golden-brown color.
Pour in the vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the drained white beans, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the stew to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld beautifully.
After the simmering time, add the chopped kale to the stew. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the kale has wilted and become tender in texture.
Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once adjusted, remove the pot from the heat.
Ladle the hearty stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting warmth!

Notes

For an appealing presentation, consider serving the stew in rustic-style bowls and pairing it with crusty bread on the side for dipping. A sprinkle of additional smoked paprika on top can accentuate the color and flavor.

Keyword comfort food, healthy, stew, vegan