Mediterranean White Bean Stew (Printable)

A hearty, warmly spiced stew featuring tender white beans, vegetables, and Mediterranean herbs in a rich olive oil broth.

# Components:

→ Beans & Broth

01 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 2 cans (15 oz 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

# Method:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The broth becomes impossibly rich without any cream, just olive oil doing what olive oil does best
  • Its one of those rare stews that actually tastes better the next day
  • The spice blend hits that perfect warm spot without being overwhelming
02 -
  • Resist the urge to add all the salt at the beginning. Taste at the end because the broth reduces and intensifies.
  • The stew needs at least 20 minutes simmering for the flavors to meld. Rushing this step is the biggest mistake.
  • That final squeeze of lemon is not optional. It transforms the entire bowl.
03 -
  • Add a pinch of saffron to the broth for an entirely different level of sophistication.
  • Finish each bowl with a drizzle of your best olive oil. It makes a difference.
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