White Bean and Carrot Stew (45 Minutes)

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This delicious stew is a nourishing and flavorful vegetarian dish, perfect for health-conscious individuals or anyone looking for a hearty meat-free meal.

It combines the creaminess of white beans, the sweetness of carrots, and the earthy taste of kale, all simmered together with onions and aromatic herbs.

It’s a great option for a comforting dinner, especially on chilly days, and is both filling and nutritious. Let’s begin!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
  • 4 large carrots, sliced
  • 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat, lemon juice for serving

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions and Garlic (5 minutes): In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Add Carrots and Herbs (5 minutes): Stir in the sliced carrots, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for a few minutes until the carrots start to soften.
  3. Add Beans and Broth (20 minutes): Add the white beans to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook gently for about 20 minutes.
  4. Incorporate Kale (10 minutes): Add the chopped kale to the pot. Continue to simmer until the kale is wilted and tender.
  5. Season and Serve (5 minutes): Remove the bay leaf. Season the stew with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, tangy flavor.
  6. Enjoy (1 minute): Serve the stew hot, perfect as a standalone meal or with crusty bread on the side.

Notes

This delicious stew is all about simplicity and letting the natural flavors of the vegetables shine. The key is to simmer the stew just long enough for the flavors to meld together, but not so long that the vegetables lose their texture.

The addition of lemon juice at the end can add a nice zesty touch. This stew is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wonderful option for a wholesome meal. Paired with a crusty bread and your favorite sides for a complete meal. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Pair this with...

Herbed Garlic Bread

Grab a fresh baguette or loaf of Italian bread and slice it as desired. In a bowl, mix together softened unsalted butter, finely minced garlic (the more, the merrier, but about 3-4 cloves should do), a good pinch of salt, and chopped fresh herbs. Parsley and basil are classics, but don't hesitate to throw in some oregano or rosemary if you're feeling adventurous. Spread this aromatic butter mix generously over the cut sides of your bread. Pop it under the broiler in your oven for about 2-4 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbling and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it, as broiling can quickly go from perfectly toasted to charred! Once done, slice it up and serve.

Lemony Arugula Salad

Start with a generous handful of fresh arugula; it's peppery and packs a punch. Toss in a sprinkle of pine nuts for a delicate crunch. Now, for the star of the show – thinly shaved Parmesan; go on, be generous! For the dressing, whisk together the zest and juice of 1 lemon, 3 tbsp of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a crack of black pepper. The lemon brightens the bold arugula and complements the nutty pine nuts and salty Parmesan. Toss everything together and bam, a gourmet side salad in a snap.

Homemade Croutons

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab some stale bread (anything you've got works, from baguette to whole grain) and cut it into cubes. In a big mixing bowl, drizzle those bread cubes with olive oil. Sprinkle on your choice of seasonings; garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper are classics. Toss everything together so the bread is well-coated. Spread the cubes out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Pop them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, but remember to give 'em a stir halfway through for even browning. Once they're golden and crisp, let them cool off a bit. Enjoy!