Description
Hearty white bean and mushroom stew delivers comfort from Italian culinary traditions. Rich ingredients meld together, creating a warming dish perfect for winter gatherings. Enjoy this nourishing meal that connects you to rustic Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (15 oz/425 g) can white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz/425 g) can diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, diced)
- 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth
- ½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot, creating a fragrant base for the hearty stew.
- Vegetable Symphony: Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened, releasing their aromatic qualities and building a flavorful base.
- Herbal Infusion: Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and rosemary, stirring to create a robust herbaceous layer that will permeate the entire dish.
- Mushroom Transformation: Introduce roughly chopped mushrooms, allowing them to caramelize and develop a rich, earthy essence that deepens the stew’s complexity.
- Liquid Embrace: Pour in vegetable broth and white beans, creating a luxurious mixture that will simmer and meld flavors for 25-30 minutes over low heat.
- Flavor Refinement: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
- Culinary Finale: Garnish with fresh parsley, bringing a vibrant, fresh contrast to the deep, robust stew, and serve in warm bowls for a soul-warming meal.
Notes
- Prevent Garlic Burning: Stir minced garlic quickly and reduce heat to maintain its delicate flavor without scorching.
- Mushroom Caramelization Technique: Use high heat initially, then lower temperature to develop deep, rich umami notes without turning mushy.
- Bean Texture Mastery: Gently fold white beans to prevent breaking, ensuring they remain intact and creamy throughout cooking.
- Fresh Herb Enhancement: Add parsley just before serving to preserve its vibrant color and fresh, bright flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg