Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew

Name: Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans of white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon thyme; 1 teaspoon rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday Comfort Food Recipes

I love making this Sunday Creamy White Bean Stew for a cozy family dinner. The rich creaminess paired with the hearty flavors of white beans makes it the perfect comfort food. The best part is how easy it is to whip up, using ingredients I often have on hand. Each bite is a warm hug that brings everyone together, accentuated by fresh herbs and a hint of lemon that brighten the dish. It’s my go-to recipe when I want something satisfying yet simple to prepare.

Created by

Jessica Brown

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:16:36.565Z

As I was experimenting in the kitchen one lazy Sunday, I decided to combine ingredients that I loved to see how they would harmonize. The creamy texture of the beans paired with fresh vegetables like carrots and celery created a deliciously rich base. I learned that slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each spoonful an explosion of taste. Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end elevated the stew even further, infusing it with brightness.

After perfecting this recipe, I've discovered that the key is to not rush the cooking process; taking the time to sauté the vegetables well brings out their natural sweetness. When it comes to seasonings, I recommend using fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. My family always asks for seconds, proving this dish is a winner!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that warms the soul
Nutritious and satisfying, ideal for weeknight dinners
Perfectly customizable with seasonal vegetables

Understanding the Creamy Base

The creamy base of this stew comes from the combination of heavy cream and the starchiness of the white beans. When the beans are combined with the broth and then puréed slightly, they release their starches, thickening the stew naturally. This gives it a comforting, velvety texture that coats the other ingredients beautifully. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half the heavy cream with coconut milk for a slightly different flavor while maintaining creaminess.

To create an even thicker consistency, consider blending a portion of the cooked beans with some of the broth before adding the cream. This can intensify the creamy texture without compromising the flavor or the overall heartiness of the stew. Always keep an eye on the simmering process; overcooking can cause the cream to curdle. A gentle simmer will keep everything combined and luscious.

Choosing Your Beans and Herbs

While this recipe calls for canned white beans, using dried beans cooked from scratch can elevate the flavor significantly. If opting for dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the stew. This method requires additional timing but yields a more robust taste. Great Northern or cannellini beans work particularly well. Each provides a slightly different creaminess and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.

Herbs play a crucial role in elevating the stew's flavor profile. Fresh herbs provide a bright, aromatic punch that dried ones can't quite match. If you don't have fresh thyme or rosemary, you could use about a third of the amount in dried form, but I recommend fresh for the best result. Additionally, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering for an extra layer of flavor, but remember to remove it before serving!

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This stew makes excellent leftovers; in fact, the flavors deepen the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the stew, as it will thicken slightly upon cooling. Heat gently over low heat to prevent curdling of the cream. If you find the stew too thick after reheating, a quick stir with a fork works wonders.

For a delightful twist at serving time, consider topping each bowl with a dollop of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt for added creaminess and tang. Complement the rich flavor by serving the stew alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad. This combination not only rounds out the meal but also allows everyone to enjoy the creamy stew even more. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra fresh parsley for that fresh burst!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before we begin:

Ingredients

2 cans of white beans, drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley for garnish

Once you have everything ready, we can start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your creamy stew:

Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, fragrant and lively.

Combine Beans and Broth

Add the rinsed white beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.

Stir in Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes while adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Finish and Serve

Before serving, stir in the lemon juice for a zesty kick. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your delicious creamy stew!

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add some greens like spinach for an extra nutrient boost. This stew also freezes well for make-ahead meals.

Variations to Try

This creamy white bean stew is easily customizable with seasonal vegetables. Adding in zucchini, spinach, or kale near the end of cooking can increase the nutritional value without overpowering the existing flavors. Cooking these vegetables just until wilted ensures they maintain their vibrant color and don’t become mushy. You might also try throwing in some diced tomatoes for a different depth of flavor, which fits nicely with the creamy aspect of the dish.

If you're in the mood for protein, adding shredded cooked chicken or sausage can transform this stew into a heartier main dish. Simply sauté sliced sausage along with the original vegetables or stir in the chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This is a fantastic way to make use of leftover roasted chicken or turkey, making the meal stretch further.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when working with cream-based dishes is curdling, which can happen if the cream is added too quickly or if the heat is too high. To avoid this, make sure the stew is on low heat and the cream is at room temperature before adding it in. Stir gently until fully incorporated. If you notice any curdling, you can often salvage it by blending the mixture until smooth.

If your stew comes out too salty, a simple remedy is to add a peeled potato to the pot while it simmers. The potato will absorb some of the excess salt. Remember to remove it before serving. Alternatively, increasing the quantity of beans or adding another cup of vegetable broth can help dilute the seasoning for a more balanced flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the stew.

→ How can I make this vegan?

You can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk and ensure your vegetable broth is plant-based.

→ What can I serve with the stew?

This stew pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad to complete your meal.

→ Can I store leftovers?

Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to a month.