Vegan Butter Bean Stew: The Easiest Creamy Comfort Food

Vegan Butter Bean Stew is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, even on the chilliest New York day. Remember those Sundays with the family, a pot bubbling on the stove, the aroma filling the house? This is that, but completely plant based! Vegan Butter Bean Stew is a hearty, comforting recipe that’s easy to whip up and will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. It’s a dish close to our hearts, inspired by childhood memories of simple, delicious, home cooked meals, veganized for the modern kitchen. 

Why You Will Love This Vegan Butter Bean Stew Recipe

Nothing beats a bowl of creamy, comforting stew, and this vegan butter bean stew recipe is no exception. It’s incredibly easy and relatively quick to make, especially when you are looking for a vegan stew dinner, perfect for those weeknights when you’re short on time but still crave something wholesome.

The flavor is simply divine. The butter beans, cooked to tender perfection, create a naturally creamy texture, enhanced by the aromatic vegetables and herbs, all simmered in a rich, plant based broth.

Best of all, this plant based comfort food is packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. We love serving it with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. We think it’s just as good as our other recipes, like Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff.

Ingredients Needed for This Vegan Butter Bean Stew Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious vegan butter bean stew recipe:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 (15 ounce) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

How to Make This Vegan Butter Bean Stew Recipe

1. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

1. 2. Add the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.

1. 3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

1. 4. Stir in the butter beans and parsley. Simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the beans are heated through and the stew has thickened slightly.

1. 5. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

1. 6. Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipe ideas!

How to Serve This Vegan Butter Bean Stew Recipe

This creamy bean stew is fantastic served on its own as a hearty and satisfying meal, especially on a cold evening.

For a more complete meal, consider pairing it with a side of crusty Italian bread, perfect for soaking up all the flavorful stew. You could also serve it over polenta or rice.

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil adds a lovely finishing touch. A dollop of vegan sour cream or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese could also be delicious additions. You might also consider something sweet at the end, like our Gooey Butter Cookies.

How to Store This Vegan Butter Bean Stew Recipe

To store leftover vegan butter bean stew recipe, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the stew for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, simply warm the stew in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a little extra vegetable broth if it has thickened too much.

Tips to Make This Vegan Butter Bean Stew Recipe

• For a richer flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth.

• If you don’t have fresh parsley on hand, you can use dried parsley, but use half the amount (1/2 cup).

• Feel free to add other vegetables to the stew, such as potatoes, zucchini, or spinach.

• For a creamier stew, you can blend a portion of the stew with an immersion blender before adding the parsley.

• Don’t overcook the beans, or they will become mushy.

Helpful Notes for This Vegan Butter Bean Stew Recipe

Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are a great source of protein and fiber. They have a mild, buttery flavor that works well in stews and soups.

If you can’t find butter beans, you can substitute cannellini beans or great northern beans.

Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a spicier stew, add more.

Variation of This Vegan Butter Bean Stew Recipe

For a seasonal twist, consider adding butternut squash or pumpkin to the stew in the fall.

In the summertime, you can add fresh corn kernels or chopped tomatoes.

For a heartier stew, add some cooked lentils or quinoa.

Conclusion

This Vegan Butter Bean Stew is a testament to the fact that plant based food doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. It’s a simple, comforting dish that’s perfect for anyone looking for an easy vegan recipe. We hope you enjoy this little piece of our family table, straight from our kitchen, to yours. Let us know in the comments what you think!

Print