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Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe

4.4 from 245 reviews

This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring cherry tomatoes, white beans, and a rich vegan cream cheese base. Enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and baby greens, it’s perfect as a hearty meal served over grains or enjoyed on its own. The stew is thickened naturally with arrowroot starch for a luscious texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small yellow onion, sliced
  • 8 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups baby greens (baby arugula or spinach)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced (for garnish)

Beans and Broth

  • 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1¼ cup vegetable broth

Thickening and Flavorings

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch (or tapioca starch or cornstarch)
  • ¼ cup vegan cream cheese (alternatively coconut cream or cashew cream)
  • 1 small lemon, juiced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Onion and Tomatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado or olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes are softened.
  2. Add Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens in color.
  3. Prepare the Thickener: In a small bowl, whisk the arrowroot starch with a small splash of vegetable broth until smooth. Then combine this mixture with the remaining vegetable broth.
  4. Simmer the Stew: Pour the broth mixture into the saucepan and add the drained cannellini beans. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the stew to slightly thicken and the beans to warm through.
  5. Add Creaminess and Greens: Stir in the vegan cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the stew. Add the baby greens and cook for about 1 minute until wilted. Mix in the lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh sliced basil, and serve the stew warm. It pairs wonderfully over rice, quinoa, fresh greens, or as a satisfying stew on its own.

Notes

  • You can substitute vegan cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream for a different creamy texture.
  • Use any white beans you prefer if cannellini beans are not available.
  • Adjust the thickness of the stew by adding more broth or starch depending on your preference.
  • Serve with grains like rice or quinoa to make it a complete meal.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew, vegan stew, tomato bean soup, plant-based stew, easy vegan recipes, quick stovetop stew