Mushroom White Bean Stew: Hearty, Nourishing, and Comforting
Warm, earthy, and deeply satisfying, Mushroom White Bean Stew is the kind of meal that brings comfort with every spoonful. This plant-based stew combines tender mushrooms, creamy white beans, aromatic vegetables, and herbs into a rich, savory broth that feels both rustic and refined. Ideal for cozy evenings, meal prep, or a wholesome family dinner, it delivers bold flavor without relying on heavy ingredients.
Mushrooms add a meaty texture and deep umami flavor, while white beans contribute creaminess, protein, and fiber, making this stew both filling and nutritious. Garlic, onions, and herbs gently simmer together to create layers of flavor that improve with time, making leftovers even more delicious. Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone seeking a healthy comfort meal, Mushroom White Bean Stew proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. Served with crusty bread or over grains, it’s a dish that nourishes the body and soothes the soul.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Mushrooms (sliced) | 300 g | 70 kcal |
| White beans (cooked or canned) | 2 cups | 440 kcal |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium | 45 kcal |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 4 | 20 kcal |
| Carrots (sliced) | 2 medium | 50 kcal |
| Celery stalks (sliced) | 2 | 20 kcal |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 kcal |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups | 60 kcal |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | 30 kcal |
| Thyme (dried) | 1 tsp | 2 kcal |
| Bay leaf | 1 | 2 kcal |
| Salt | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | To taste | 5 kcal |
| Fresh parsley (for garnish) | Optional | 5 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables
Slice mushrooms, chop onion, carrots, and celery, and mince garlic. - Sauté aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. - Cook vegetables and mushrooms
Add carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown. - Add seasonings
Stir in tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables. - Add beans and broth
Pour in white beans and vegetable broth. Stir and bring the stew to a gentle boil. - Simmer the stew
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and stew to thicken slightly. - Finish and serve
Remove bay leaf, taste, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Make it creamier: Blend a cup of the stew and stir it back in, or add coconut milk.
- Add greens: Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can be added during the final minutes of cooking.
- Boost protein: Add lentils or chickpeas along with white beans.
- Spice it up: Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika add warmth and depth.
- Slow cooker option: Cook on low for 6–8 hours after sautéing the vegetables.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~340 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 16 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 12 g |
| Sodium | Moderate (varies by broth and salt) |
Mushroom White Bean Stew is rich in plant-based protein, fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals, making it a nourishing and balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty sourdough or whole-grain bread for dipping.
- Pair with steamed rice, quinoa, or farro for a heartier meal.
- Add a side of fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette for balance.
- Top with grated vegan Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
Mushroom White Bean Stew: Hearty, Nourishing, and Comforting
4
servings15
minutes45
minutes340
kcalIngredients
300 g mushrooms, sliced
2 cups white beans (cannellini or great northern), cooked or canned
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Prepare vegetables: Slice mushrooms; chop onion, carrots, and celery; mince garlic.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook vegetables: Add carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.
- Season: Stir in tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Add beans and broth: Pour in white beans and vegetable broth. Stir well.
- Simmer stew: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes.
- Finish: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Mushroom variety: Using a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or portobello adds deeper flavor and a richer texture.
Bean options: Cannellini or great northern beans work best, but navy beans can be used as well.
FAQs
1. What is Mushroom White Bean Stew?
Mushroom White Bean Stew is a hearty, plant-based dish made with mushrooms, white beans, vegetables, and herbs simmered in a savory broth. It’s comforting, nutritious, and naturally vegan.
2. Which mushrooms work best for this stew?
Cremini, button, or baby bella mushrooms work well. For deeper flavor, shiitake or portobello mushrooms can also be added or mixed in.
3. Can I use canned white beans?
Yes, canned white beans such as cannellini or great northern beans are convenient options. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the stew.
4. How can I make the stew thicker?
Blend a portion of the stew and stir it back in, or let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to naturally thicken.
6. Is Mushroom White Bean Stew gluten-free?
Yes, the stew is naturally gluten-free as long as the vegetable broth used is certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Mushroom White Bean Stew is a comforting, flavorful, and nutritious dish that proves plant-based meals can be just as hearty and satisfying as traditional stews. With its rich umami flavor, creamy texture, and wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family. Easy to customize and even better the next day, this stew deserves a regular spot in your healthy recipe rotation.
