Double White Bean Lemon Stew

Double White Bean Lemon Stew is a bright, comforting, and hearty vegetarian stew made with cannellini and garbanzo beans, plenty of vegetables, and a vibrant kick of lemon zest and juice. With a thick, creamy texture thanks to blended beans, this stew is a one-pot, 30-minute recipe that’s naturally vegan and gluten-free. It’s ideal for chilly nights or when you want a cozy, nutritious meal with a zesty twist.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 2–3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 small white or yellow onion, diced

  • 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced thin

  • 2 stalks celery, diced

  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 (14 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 (14 oz) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)

  • 1 tsp fresh marjoram (or ½ tsp dried)

  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

  • 1 bunch kale (stems removed, torn into pieces) or 8 oz frozen kale (thawed & drained)

  • Zest and juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tsp zest + 2 tsp juice)

  • Optional: freshly grated Parmesan and parsley for serving

Directions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sauté the onion for 4–5 minutes. Add carrots and celery; cook 4 more minutes. Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

  2. Blend Beans: In a high-speed blender, combine all the cannellini beans and half of the garbanzo beans with a bit of broth. Blend just until broken up, not fully smooth.

  3. Simmer Stew: Pour the blended mixture into the pot. Add the remaining garbanzo beans, broth, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. Add Kale: Stir in kale and cook for about 3 minutes until wilted.

  5. Finish with Lemon: Turn off heat. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.

  6. Serve: Garnish with Parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread or rolls.

Nutrients

Per serving (approx. 6 servings):

  • Calories: 339 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 45g

  • Protein: 17g

  • Fat: 11g

    • Saturated Fat: 2g

  • Cholesterol: 6mg

  • Sodium: 1095mg

  • Fiber: 10g

  • Sugar: 7g

Why Double White Bean Lemon Stew is So Popular

Double White Bean Lemon Stew is loved for its vibrant flavors and hearty texture. The combination of cannellini beans and garbanzo beans not only creates a satisfying base but also provides plant-based protein, fiber, and a range of nutrients. The addition of fresh vegetables, like carrots, celery, and garlic, gives the stew a savory depth, while the kale adds a pop of color and a nutritional boost.

The star of the dish, however, is the lemon—its zest and juice add a fresh, zesty twist that brightens the entire stew. This makes it perfect for those looking for a cozy, comforting meal with a bit of extra flair. The simplicity of the ingredients, along with the fact that it’s a one-pot dish, makes it easy to prepare and cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy days.

How to Make Double White Bean Lemon Stew

Making Double White Bean Lemon Stew is quick and easy, and it involves just a few simple steps. Here’s how to make this comforting and flavorful dish:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the sliced carrots and diced celery, cooking for another 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Blend the Beans

In a high-speed blender, combine the entire can of cannellini beans and half of the garbanzo beans with a bit of the vegetable broth (about ½ cup). Blend the mixture until the beans are broken up, but not fully smooth, leaving some texture in the stew.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

Pour the blended bean mixture into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Add the remaining garbanzo beans, the vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the stew to a simmer. Let it cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add the Kale

Add the kale to the pot and stir it into the stew. Cook for about 3 minutes until the kale wilts and becomes tender. The kale adds a fresh, vibrant color and nutritional value to the stew.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon

Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. This adds a fresh, bright flavor that lifts the entire dish. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the stew hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired. It pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread or rolls for a complete meal. Enjoy the comforting and zesty flavors of this delicious stew!

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion

Double White Bean Lemon Stew is the perfect dish for a variety of occasions. It’s light and nourishing enough to enjoy as a weeknight dinner, and its hearty nature makes it a filling meal that will satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or as part of a meal prep for the week, this stew is versatile and easy to make.

It’s also a great option for anyone following vegan or gluten-free diets, as it’s naturally free from both, and it’s packed with plant-based protein and fiber. The bright lemon flavor adds a refreshing twist to the stew, making it a perfect dish for spring or fall when you want something warming but not too heavy.

Conclusion

Double White Bean Lemon Stew is the perfect combination of comfort and brightness. The creamy texture, fresh vegetables, and zesty lemon give this stew a unique twist that will satisfy your cravings while still being nourishing and wholesome. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a casual gathering, or preparing a comforting dish for colder months, this stew is a great option that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor.

With its vegan and gluten-free qualities, along with its simple ingredients and one-pot preparation, Double White Bean Lemon Stew is a versatile and healthy dish that will become a staple in your cooking routine. It’s a dish that brings comfort and joy to the table while being packed with nutrition and vibrant flavor.

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