Easy Vegan Butter Beans Stew (Printable Version)

Hearty stew with butter beans, aromatic herbs, and fresh vegetables rich in flavor and texture.

# What You'll Need:

→ Base Stew

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
09 - 1 bay leaf
10 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
11 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced or crushed tomatoes
12 - 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
13 - 3 cups vegetable broth
14 - 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
15 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional

→ Optional Add-Ins

17 - 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
18 - ½ cup coconut milk
19 - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
20 - 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, and bay leaf to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring to toast the spices.
03 - Stir in tomato paste until vegetables are well coated. Pour in diced or crushed tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes to enhance flavor depth.
04 - Stir butter beans and vegetable broth into the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
05 - Cover and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and the mixture thickens.
06 - If using, stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. For a creamier texture, add coconut milk at this stage.
07 - Remove bay leaf. Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice as desired. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Adjust seasoning carefully at the end to balance flavors. Adding lemon juice brings brightness and enhances the taste.