Tuscan White Bean Stew

This Tuscan white bean stew is a rustic and hearty dish, brimming with tender cannellini beans, aromatic herbs, and vegetables. It’s a comforting and flavorful vegetarian meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

Tuscan White Bean Stew
  • Prep time: 18 minutes
  • Cook time: 33 minutes
  • Total time: 51 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: International

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup packed fresh spinach
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Stir in minced garlic, rosemary, and sage. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and bay leaf to the pot.
  4. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Remove the bay leaf.
  6. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Tips

  • For a creamier texture, mash about half a cup of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the spinach.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or kale along with the spinach.
  • A drizzle of good quality olive oil over the finished stew just before serving adds a lovely richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store this white bean stew?

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors often deepen overnight.

Can I use other types of white beans?

Yes, Great Northern beans or navy beans can be used as substitutes for cannellini beans. Ensure they are rinsed and drained thoroughly.

Can I make this stew vegan?

This stew is already vegan if you use vegetable broth. Ensure your vegetable broth is certified vegan if needed.