Hearty Butter Bean Stew

There's something incredibly comforting about a hearty bowl of stew on a chilly evening, and this Tomato Butter Bean Stew is just the thing to warm you up!

This vegan and gluten-free recipe is packed with wholesome butter beans, fresh kale, and a medley of rustic vegetables, all simmered in a rich tomato broth. It's a simple dish that delivers big on flavor, making it simply perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold night.

🌱 Ingredients & Notes

Here is everything you need for this recipe:

• Olive Oil - Use a good quality olive oil for sautéing the veggies. It adds a lovely richness to the stew.
• Aromatics - Finely chopped onion and minced garlic cloves to form the flavorful base of the stew. Yellow or white onions work best. For the garlic, fresh is best, but garlic paste or garlic powder both work in a pinch.
• Vegetables - I used carrots & celery, these add a sweet, earthy flavor and a bit of crunch. Dice them evenly for consistent cooking.
• Tomato Paste - For a rich, tangy depth in the broth.
• Vegetable Stock - Opt for a low-sodium version so you can control the saltiness.
• Butter Beans - Aka Lima Beans - the star of the stew! They’re hearty and creamy. Canned is most convenient, just drain and rinse well. If you're using dried butter beans, soak and cook them according to package instructions first.
• Kale - Adds nutrition and a bit of texture. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves finely.
• Herbs - Add some thyme & oregano. These herbs bring out the rustic flavors. Fresh is great, but dried will do the trick too.
• Salt and Black Pepper - Taste as you go to get it just right.

For Serving:

• Herbed Croutons - Perfect for adding crunch. Make your own or buy a quality store-bought version.
• Crusty Bread - Ideal for dipping into the stew. Choose your favorite type; sourdough or baguette are great options.
• Fresh Thyme & Oregano - For a fresh burst of flavor.
• Vegan Parmesan - Optional, but it adds a deliciously cheesy, umami kick!

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for detailed quantities and measurements.

🔪 Equipment

Here is all the equipment you need to make this recipe:

• Large Pot - Make sure it's big enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.
• Wooden Spoon - Ideal for stirring the stew without scratching your pot.
• Knife & Cutting Board - A sharp one is best for chopping veggies quickly.
• Measuring Cup - Useful for the vegetable broth.

🧑‍🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Heat olive oil. Cook onion, carrots, and celery until soft.

Step 2: Add Garlic & Tomato Paste

Mix in garlic, cook briefly. Add tomato paste and stir.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

Pour in vegetable stock. Boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Beans & Kale

Add butter beans, kale, thyme, and oregano. Simmer until thick.

Step 5: Season & Serve

Add salt and pepper. Serve hot with croutons and fresh herbs.

🍽️ Serving

Serve the stew hot in bowls - simply add a ladleful of stew to each bowl. Top with herbed croutons and sprinkle fresh herbs, then pair with crusty bread on the side. Time to dig in!

❄️ Storage

Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

How to reheat

To reheat, just pop it in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Stir halfway through so it heats evenly.

You can also warm it on the stove. Use low heat and stir occasionally until it's hot. If the stew looks too thick, add a splash of vegetable stock or water. This will help loosen it up.

🔜 Related Recipes

You might also enjoy some of my other cozy recipes, like this zesty Lemony Soup for a warming soup or dive into the rich flavors of this Creamy Butter Bean Curry, both perfect for a comforting meal!

Here's a handy recipe card that you can print out and keep in your kitchen for easy reference:

📖 Recipe Card

Rustic Butter Bean Stew

Romy

Enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of Hearty Tomato Butter Bean Stew, packed with tender butter beans, fresh kale, and a medley of rustic vegetables. This vegan and gluten-free recipe is perfect for cozy evenings, offering a rich, flavorful taste that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, vegan

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 large saucepan
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 sharp knife & chopping board
• 1 Can Opener for the canned butter beans
• 1 measuring jug for the vegetable broth

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 whole onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic grated or minced
• 2 whole carrots peeled and finely diced
• 2 whole celery stalks diced
• 2 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cups vegetable broth (500 ml)
• 2 cans butter beans/lima beans (480g drained weight) drained and rinsed
• 3.5 oz fresh kale (100g) stalks removed, chopped
• 1 teaspoon thyme fresh or dried
• 1 teaspoon oregano fresh or dried
• salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Herbed Croutons
• Crusty Bread
• Fresh thyme & oregano
• Vegan Parmesan

Instructions

 

• Gather all your ingredients and equipment. Drain and rinse the butter beans. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and kale. Measure out your olive oil, tomato paste, and vegetable stock.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Add the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and stir continuously for 2 minutes to develop the flavors.
• Pour in the vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Add the drained butter beans and chopped kale to the pot, along with the thyme and oregano. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes. This will help the stew thicken and the flavors to deepen.
• Taste your stew and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir well to ensure even seasoning. If the stew is too thick, you can add a little more stock or water.
• Serve the stew hot in bowls. Top each serving with herbed croutons, a sprinkle of vegan parmesan (if using), and fresh herbs like thyme and oregano. Pair with crusty bread on the side for a hearty meal.

Notes

• Serving Suggestions: Serve the stew hot in bowls, topped with herbed croutons and fresh herbs. Pair with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy with friends or family for a cozy, comforting meal.
• Storage: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If the stew is too thick, add a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen it.
• Additional Tips:
  • Use a high-quality olive oil and tomato paste for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and feel free to add more herbs for additional flavor.
  • For a more robust flavor, let the stew sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge before serving.
  • Experiment with adding other vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers for variety.

Keyword butter bean stew, lima bean stew, vegan stew

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