This nourishing white bean stew is made with split dried white beans, which cook faster than whole beans—perfect for chilly fall and winter days. It’s simple to prepare and only requires one pot. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, vegan, gluten-free, and budget-friendly.
This simple white bean stew is a proper family classic, one of those recipes that’s been passed down through the generations. Back in the Second World War, my grandma’s family didn’t have a huge variety of food to choose from, so white beans—and chickpeas—were a regular feature on the table.
Be sure to check my old-fashioned white beans soup, with a modern touch – prepared to creamiest perfection in an Instant pot.
INGREDIENTS & Substitutions:
- White beans: For this recipe, I like using skinless white beans, which are sold in stores locally. They cook in about an hour without pre-soaking. You can also use regular dried beans or canned beans for a quicker meal—just remember to soak dried beans overnight if using them.
- Vegetable oil: I usually use extra virgin olive oil, but any vegetable oil or fat works fine.
- Onions: Regular white onions work well, but any variety will do.
- Carrots: In true European fashion, carrots are the perfect companions for onions and garlic—always a classic combo.
- Red bell pepper: Red peppers (and paprika) are the secret to this dish, giving the beans a lovely sweet flavor that no other vegetable can match.
- Tomatoes: For this recipe, I’ve used half a can of roasted tomatoes, but if you have fresh, juicy tomatoes, that’s even better.
- Spearmint: Another secret ingredient is fresh or dried spearmint. If you don’t have “lamb mint,” regular mint works perfectly. Don’t skip it—it gives the stew a unique, traditional flavor.
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper to taste.
Optional extras: To enrich the flavor, you can add sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, or sausage (for a non-vegan version).
How to cook white beans stew?
Preparing this vegan white bean stew is simple and only requires one pot.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat oil in a pot and cook the onions, minced carrots, and bell pepper for a few minutes until golden. Stir frequently to prevent burning. If needed, add a tablespoon or two of water.
- Add beans, tomatoes, and spices: Stir in (pre-soaked or) skinless split white beans, tomatoes, and spices. Let them sauté for a minute while stirring.
- Add water and simmer: Pour in water, adjusting the amount to control the stew’s creaminess. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the beans are fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve the stew warm. For a non-vegan version, you can add protein of your choice (like sausage).
White Beans Stew (with split beans)
Ingredients
- 200 g white beans, split skinless
- 1 small red bell pepper, minced
- ½ can tomatoes, or 2 small fresh tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 2 medium carrots, cut in cubes
- 2 medium cloves of garlic, crushed
- 4 tbsp. olive oil, or lard
- 2 tsp. sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp. spearmint, or mint
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 cups of water, or more as needed
Instructions
- First, wash red pepper, carrots, garlic, onions and tomatoes (if using fresh) under cold water. Peel carrots, and chop all vegetables in small cubes . If using canned tomatoes, add them with the white beans (step 3).
- Then, in a large soup pan (with lid) add oil, paprika and minced vegetables. Let simmer on low to medium heat until vegetables turn soft (approx. 5 min). Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add white beans ( skinless split beans) and water, stir well and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and let simmer until white beans and vegetables are fully cooked. Stir frequently and add more water as needed to reach desired creaminess.
- Finally, 10 minutes before removing from stove top, add salt, black pepper and spearmint (mint) – and crushed tomatoes if using canned.
- Serve warm, topped with some hot paprika if desired (optional).
Notes
If using canned beans, cooking time will reduce drastically. The water quantity as well might need adjustment.
Nutrition
This post may contain affiliate links. See full disclosure here.
