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Welcome to the delightfully creamy world of Vegan Tomato White Bean Stew! This comforting dish combines fresh veggies, rich coconut milk, and hearty white beans for a meal that warms the soul. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this easy recipe will impress without the fuss. Get ready to satisfy your taste buds with layers of flavor in every bite. Let’s dive in, and I’ll show you how to create this delicious stew!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Creamy: The addition of coconut milk makes this stew luxuriously creamy, offering a rich mouthfeel without any dairy.
- Nutritious Ingredients: This stew is packed with vegetables, white beans, and spinach, providing a hearty and healthy meal option.
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Flavorful Comfort Food: Loaded with tomatoes and spices, this stew delivers a warm and comforting taste that is perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
The main ingredients create a strong base for this stew. Olive oil adds richness and flavor. The onion, garlic, carrot, and celery bring sweetness and depth. Together, they form a classic mirepoix, which is key to great taste.
Spices and Seasoning
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Spices enhance the stew’s flavor. Dried oregano adds warmth and earthiness. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smoke and depth. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Adjust these to your preference for the perfect taste.
Base and Protein
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 (15-ounce) can white beans (like cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
– 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for extra creaminess)
The base ingredients are vital for a creamy texture. Crushed tomatoes provide acidity and richness. Vegetable broth adds depth. White beans offer protein and creaminess. Full-fat coconut milk makes the stew velvety. This combination is both hearty and satisfying.
Additional Ingredients
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a mild taste. It wilts nicely into the stew. Fresh basil gives a burst of flavor as a garnish. Together, they elevate the dish and make it visually appealing. Enjoy this stew with crusty bread for a complete meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base
First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion. Cook the onion for about 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent. This adds great flavor. Next, stir in 3 minced cloves of garlic, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk. Sauté these veggies for 5 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant.
Creating the Stew
Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir to coat the vegetables for about 1 minute. This step makes the stew taste amazing. Pour in 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mix to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook for 15 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together.
Final Touches
After simmering, add 1 (15-ounce) can of rinsed and drained white beans. Then pour in 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk. Stir well to combine everything, letting it simmer for another 10 minutes. This makes the stew creamy and rich. Fold in 2 cups of fresh spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Finally, season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors as needed.
Presentation
Serve the stew in wide bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Drizzle some coconut milk on top for a lovely finish. Pair it with crusty bread for the perfect meal.
Tips & Tricks
Enhancing Creaminess
To make your stew extra creamy, use full-fat coconut milk. This gives a rich texture. If you want alternatives, consider using cashew cream or blended silken tofu. Both can create a smooth feel.
Flavor Adjustment
Balancing flavors is key. Use salt and pepper to enhance the taste. Start with a little and add more if needed. Fresh herbs like basil can brighten the stew. Add them at the end for a fresh burst of flavor.
Cooking Techniques
Sautéing your veggies first makes a big difference. It builds a base of flavor. Cook them until they are soft. When simmering, keep the heat low. This lets the flavors blend well. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor to the stew. Add it at the end of cooking to preserve its freshness.
- Adjust the Creaminess: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the white beans before adding them to the stew.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.

Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap beans in this stew. Try chickpeas or black beans for a twist. Each type gives a unique flavor and texture. You can also change the vegetables. Swap in zucchini, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes. These options add color and nutrients.
Flavor Variations
Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes to the mix. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also play with herbs. Try fresh thyme or rosemary for a new flavor. Fresh herbs can brighten the dish.
Serving Style
Serve the stew over grains like rice or quinoa. It makes a hearty meal. For a cozy option, serve it over pasta. In colder weather, add root vegetables like potatoes or turnips. They add warmth and heartiness to your dish.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftover stew, let it cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure the lid is on tight to keep the stew fresh. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze the stew, use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It’s best to freeze it in single servings. This makes it easy to grab one when you need a quick meal. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave to thaw it quickly. Reheat it on the stove until hot. Stir well to ensure even heating.
Shelf Life
This creamy vegan tomato white bean stew lasts about four days in the fridge. In the freezer, it can stay good for up to three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This way, you’ll know when to use them. Enjoy your stew knowing it’s just as tasty even after a few days!
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. Just choose whole or diced tomatoes. Crush them by hand or with a spoon. This option works well. It gives a nice texture to the stew.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, this stew is gluten-free. The ingredients do not include wheat or gluten. Just check your vegetable broth to ensure it’s gluten-free. This makes it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can make this stew in a slow cooker. Start by sautéing the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a pan. Then, add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What can I serve with this creamy vegan stew?
This creamy stew pairs well with crusty bread. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa. A fresh salad on the side adds a nice touch. Enjoy it with some cooked grains for a complete meal.
This blog post guides you through making a creamy vegan stew. We covered the key ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and spinach. I shared detailed steps for preparing, cooking, and serving your stew. You also learned tips on enhancing flavor and storage.
I hope you feel ready to create this warm dish. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making it your own. A hearty stew warms the heart and sou
Creamy Vegan Tomato White Bean Stew
A rich and creamy stew made with tomatoes, white beans, and fresh spinach, perfect for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 28 ounces can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 15 ounces can white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- optional fresh basil for garnish
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Sprinkle in the dried oregano and smoked paprika, stirring to coat the vegetables for about 1 minute.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add the rinsed white beans and coconut milk to the pot. Stir well to incorporate, and let it simmer for another 10 minutes until heated through and creamy.
Fold in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust any seasonings if necessary.
Serve the stew in wide bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of coconut milk for a beautiful finish. Pair with crusty bread for dipping!
Keyword spinach, stew, tomato, vegan, white beans
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