Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew

Name: Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped; Crusty bread, for dipping

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Food Inspiration

I’ve always believed that Sundays are for cozying up with a warm bowl of something hearty, and this Creamy White Bean Stew is my go-to recipe. The combination of savory vegetables, creamy beans, and aromatic herbs creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for a leisurely weekend meal. With minimal effort, I can whip up a stew that brings everyone to the table, making it a delightful addition to our Sunday tradition. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate whatever veggies I have on hand!

Created by

Grace Walker

Last updated on 2026-01-13T07:27:37.228Z

As I experimented with different flavors and textures, I found that the secret to this stew's creaminess lies in blending a portion of the beans into a smooth paste. This not only makes the stew thicker but amplifies the bean flavor, creating a luscious base that pairs beautifully with the fresh vegetables.

Each Sunday, I invite friends over and serve this stew alongside crusty bread; the aroma wafting through the house becomes a reason for everyone to gather. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving elevates the dish, making it feel extra special.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy texture that feels comforting and indulgent
Packed with nutrients from beans and vegetables
Perfect for meal prep and easy to make ahead

      

The Foundation of Flavor

The base of this stew relies on a solid foundation of sautéed vegetables, known as a mirepoix. By cooking the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes, you unlock their natural sweetness. Be sure to stir frequently, allowing the vegetables to soften but not brown. This gentle cooking process enhances the stew's overall flavor, creating a rich backdrop for the creamy beans that follow.

Thyme is the star herb in this recipe, bringing a warm, earthy flavor that complements the white beans beautifully. If you don’t have dried thyme on hand, feel free to use fresh thyme—just double the amount, as fresh herbs are less concentrated. As the stew simmers, the thyme releases its oils, infusing the broth with a delightful aroma and enhancing the dish’s comforting feeling.

Creating the Perfect Consistency

Blending half of the stew elevates its texture from a standard vegetable soup to a creamy delight. You can use an immersion blender right in the pot for convenience, or transfer it to a stand blender. Just be sure to let it cool slightly to avoid splatters. Blend until smooth, then return it to the pot, and watch as it transforms into a luscious, velvety consistency that coats each spoonful beautifully.

If you’d like to achieve an even creamier texture without the extra step of blending, you can mash some of the beans directly in the pot using a fork or potato masher. This method gives you the same comforting mouthfeel by breaking down some beans while retaining the chunky bits, providing a lovely contrast in texture. Just be cautious not to mash too many beans, as you want to keep some intact for that hearty experience.

Ingredients

Gather all of your ingredients before you start for a smoother cooking experience!

For the Stew

2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

Fresh parsley, chopped
Crusty bread, for dipping

Feel free to customize your stew with any seasonal vegetables you have at home!

Instructions

Start by prepping all your ingredients to make the cooking process easier.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft.

Add the Beans and Broth

Stir in the white beans, vegetable broth, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Blend for Creaminess

Using a blender, carefully blend half of the soup until smooth. Return it to the pot and stir well to combine, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve

Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Enjoy your hearty stew as a fulfilling meal any day of the week!

Pro Tips

For an extra creaminess, add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Make-Ahead Magic

One of the great aspects of this Creamy White Bean Stew is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare the stew in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating is a breeze—simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Just be mindful that the stew may thicken in the fridge; adding a splash of vegetable broth can help restore its creamy consistency.

For longer storage, this stew freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as mentioned earlier. The flavors often deepen after freezing, making your cozy meal even more satisfying.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable; feel free to switch up the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have available. For instance, adding spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking will incorporate more greens. If you prefer a little heat, consider tossing in crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños at the sautéing stage. This will add an exciting kick that complements the creamy beans.

If you’d like a heartier protein component, consider adding diced potatoes or even shredded cooked chicken to the stew. Just keep in mind that potatoes will require a longer cooking time, so add them when you first combine the beans and broth. Experimenting with different herbs can also enhance the flavor profile; consider adding a touch of rosemary or oregano for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just soak and cook them according to package instructions before adding to the pot.

→ How can I make this stew gluten-free?

This recipe is already gluten-free as written, but always check your vegetable broth for any hidden gluten.

→ Can I freeze the stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well! Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ What can I add for extra protein?

Adding diced chicken or turkey can enhance the protein content, or you can mix in some quinoa.