There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of stew to soothe the soul, especially on a chilly evening or when you’re seeking a nourishing meal. This Hearty and Creamy Butter Bean Stew is a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Packed with tender butter beans, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious, dairy-free creamy base, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is wonderfully healthy.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big advocate for meals that are both delicious and make you feel good from the inside out, and this butter bean stew perfectly fits that philosophy. What I adore about this recipe is its incredible depth of flavor, achieved with minimal effort. The fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky sweetness, the Italian seasoning provides aromatic warmth, and the cashew cream delivers a velvety richness that makes this stew incredibly satisfying.
It’s a fantastic plant-based option that doesn’t compromise on texture or taste, making it a hit with everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup – always a win in my book! This stew is perfect for meal prep, too, as the flavors only deepen over time.
Ingredients
To make this nourishing and flavorful butter bean stew, you’ll need:
- 2–3 cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 2.5–3.5 cups vegetable broth
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 medium sweet or yellow onion, diced
- 1–2 cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup cashew cream (see notes below for how to make it)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1–2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Butter Beans: Canned butter beans (also known as lima beans) are convenient and work perfectly. Adjust the quantity (2 or 3 cans) based on how thick you prefer your stew. For a deeper flavor, you can use dried butter beans: soak them overnight, then cook in broth until tender before adding to the stew. This can be done in a slow cooker or pressure cooker for ease.
- Vegetable Broth: Use a good quality vegetable broth for the best flavor. Low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness more easily.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: These add a wonderful depth and smoky note that enhances the stew significantly. Regular diced tomatoes can be used if fire-roasted are unavailable, but you might want to add a pinch of smoked paprika for a similar effect.
- Cashew Cream: This is the secret to the stew’s incredible creaminess without dairy.
- To make cashew cream: Soak 1 cup of raw cashews in boiled water for 15 minutes to 1 hour (longer soak time makes them softer and easier to blend). Drain the cashews, then blend them with ¾ cup of fresh water in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and creamy.
- Alternatives: If you have a nut allergy or prefer not to use cashews, sunflower seed cream (made similarly by soaking and blending sunflower seeds) is a great alternative. Full-fat coconut milk (from a can, shaken well) can also be used for a slightly different, but equally creamy, result with a subtle coconut flavor.
- Baby Spinach: Kale or other leafy greens can be used instead of spinach. Add them towards the end of cooking until wilted.
- Vinegar: White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar adds a bright, essential tang that balances the richness of the stew. Don’t skip this!
- Herbs: While Italian seasoning is a good base, feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or fresh parsley for an extra aromatic touch.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced carrots and diced sweet or yellow onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the carrots begin to soften and the onions become translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Build the Broth Base: Add the diced fire-roasted tomatoes (undrained) and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything together well, and then add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer with Beans: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Add the drained and rinsed butter beans. Stir gently and let the stew cook for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to warm through.
- Finish with Cream and Greens: Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf from the pot. Stir in the cashew cream(or your chosen alternative) and the baby spinach. Cook for just a few minutes longer, stirring, until the spinach has completely wilted into the stew.
- Season and Serve: Finally, add the white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), and season the stew generously with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate. Serve the hearty and creamy butter bean stew hot in bowls.
Tips for Success
- Prep Your Veggies: Chop your carrots and onions evenly so they cook at a similar rate.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Taking the time to properly soften the carrots and onions builds a foundational flavor for the stew.
- Cashew Cream Smoothness: For the smoothest cashew cream, use a high-speed blender and blend for a few minutes until absolutely no grittiness remains.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your stew before serving and adjust seasonings as needed. The amount of salt and pepper needed will vary depending on your broth and personal preference. The vinegar is a crucial balancing agent, so don’t omit it.
- Let it Sit: Like many stews, this one often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Creamy Butter Bean Stew is wonderfully hearty on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with various sides:
- Crusty Bread: A must-have for soaking up all the delicious broth!
- Cornbread: A classic Southern pairing.
- Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a more substantial meal.
- Simple Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can offer a nice contrast.
- Proteins: While this stew is complete as a vegan meal, if you enjoy meat, it would complement roasted chicken or even a simple grilled sausage.
- Other Southern Comforts: For a full spread of comforting flavors, this stew could be served alongside other dishes like a simple Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce or This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This Creamy Butter Bean Stew is fantastic for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors will deepen and develop even more. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, you can add a splash more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
This stew also freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the comforting and hearty nature of this stew, you’ll likely love these other warming and delicious recipes from Chef Maniac:
- For another incredibly comforting and flavorful Southern-inspired dish, try This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
- If you’re looking for another easy one-pan dinner that’s always a hit, check out This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- And for another classic comfort food perfect for a cozy night, consider These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Butter Bean Stew is a true culinary hug in a bowl. It’s proof that healthy, plant-based meals can be incredibly satisfying, rich, and full of comforting flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this stew is a delightful and easy recipe to add to your repertoire.
Did you try making this butter bean stew? What are your favorite additions or serving suggestions? Share your feedback and ideas in the comments below! And for more nourishing and delicious recipes, be sure to follow Chef Maniac and Jason Griffith.
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