Imagine a rustic Italian kitchen, where the aroma of simmering beans and herbs fills the air, transporting you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany. This Hearty Tuscan Bean Stew is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that promises to comfort, nourish, and delight your taste buds with every spoonful. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a soul-warming dish to impress your guests, this recipe is your ticket to an authentic Italian comfort food experience that's both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh spinach or kale for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: dice onion, mince garlic, chop carrots and celery into uniform small pieces.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add drained and rinsed cannellini beans to the pot. Sprinkle dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper into the stew.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer slowly for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent bottom burning.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in fresh spinach or kale until just wilted.
- Remove from heat and let stew rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality canned beans for the best flavor. If possible, opt for organic cannellini beans and fresh herbs.
- Sautéing is Key: Take your time when sautéing the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. This step builds a rich flavor foundation for your stew.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Simmer the stew on low heat to allow the flavors to develop and the beans to become tender and creamy.
- Customize Your Greens: While the recipe suggests spinach or kale, feel free to experiment with other leafy greens like Swiss chard or arugula.
- Make it Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify overnight.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty Italian bread, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for an extra touch of authenticity.
- Storage Tip: The stew can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
