Rustic Butter Bean Stew
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.
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.