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Vegan Butter Bean Stew

Vegan Butter Bean Stew
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Vegan Butter Bean Stew is a hearty, creamy, and flavorful plant-based dish combining tender butter beans with vibrant vegetables and warming spices. Perfect for any season, this comforting stew is packed with protein and fiber, making it nutritious and filling. Easy to make with simple ingredients found in your pantry, it’s a versatile meal that can be customized to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans

  • 2 cups canned butter beans, drained and rinsed (or 1 ½ cups dried, soaked and cooked)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 2 tbsp tomato paste)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped

Liquids

  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, stirring often until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step unlocks the flavor foundation for your stew.
  2. Add Vegetables and Spices: Toss in diced carrots and celery, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast slightly to intensify their aroma and taste.
  3. Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in fresh chopped tomatoes or tomato paste followed by vegetable broth. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  4. Add Butter Beans: Drain and rinse your canned butter beans, then add them to the pot. The beans will slowly absorb the seasoning, turning creamy and hearty.
  5. Simmer and Add Greens: Let the stew simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the final 5 minutes, stir in fresh spinach or kale until wilted and tender, then adjust seasoning to taste.

Notes

  • Use fresh beans: If possible, soak and cook dried butter beans ahead for a more authentic texture.
  • Layer flavors: Don’t rush the sautéing of onions and spices—it develops complexity.
  • Low and slow: Simmer gently to meld flavors without breaking down the beans too much.
  • Season gradually: Taste as you go to prevent over-salting or under-seasoning.
  • Rest before serving: Let the stew sit off the heat for a few minutes. It deepens flavor and thickens slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan, butter bean stew, plant-based, gluten free, comfort food, easy dinner, healthy stew, protein rich

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/vegan-butter-bean-stew/