This White Bean Mushroom Stew is the definition of comfort food. With tender baby potatoes, meaty mushrooms, and creamy white beans, it’s a nourishing dish that satisfies both body and soul. The blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and tamari creates deep umami flavors, while dairy-free milk gives it a luscious, creamy texture. Whether served on its own or paired with crusty bread, this one-pot meal is perfect for cozy nights in. It’s high in protein and fiber, making it as nutritious as it is delicious. Plus, it’s entirely vegan and gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp vegan butter (or olive oil)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 lb mushrooms, sliced (shiitake & cremini recommended)
- ¾ tsp dried thyme
- ¾ tsp dried rosemary
- ¾ tsp sea salt and pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch (or all-purpose/GF flour)
- 2 tsp tamari or soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lb baby potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 (15 oz.) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups dairy-free milk (unsweetened almond preferred)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Heat vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until softened.
- Stir in mushrooms, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 7-10 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the mixture and stir to coat. Add tamari and Dijon mustard and mix well.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add white beans and dairy-free milk. Simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until stew thickens and potatoes are tender.
- Adjust seasonings to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 403 kcal | Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This White Bean Mushroom Stew
1. A Nutrient-Packed Meal
This stew isn’t just delicious it’s also packed with nutrients that fuel your body. White beans are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, helping to keep you full and satisfied. Mushrooms provide antioxidants and essential vitamins, while baby potatoes add comforting starch and key minerals. With the addition of fresh herbs and aromatics like garlic and onions, this dish is both nutritious and incredibly flavorful.
2. Completely Dairy-Free & Vegan
Many creamy soups and stews rely on dairy to achieve a rich consistency, but this recipe gets its luxurious texture from dairy-free milk. Using almond milk (or any preferred plant-based milk) ensures a creamy finish without the need for heavy cream or butter, making this stew vegan-friendly and lactose-intolerant-friendly.
3. One-Pot Simplicity
Busy schedules call for easy, no-fuss meals. This stew is a one-pot wonder, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum convenience. Everything comes together in a single pot, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully while keeping the cooking process simple.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep & Leftovers
This dish stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for meal prepping. The flavors deepen over time, so leftovers taste even better the next day. Plus, it thickens as it sits, giving you an even heartier consistency when reheated.
The Star Ingredients and Their Benefits
1. White Beans – A Protein Powerhouse
White beans (such as cannellini, navy, or great northern beans) are the heart of this stew, providing a creamy texture and high protein content. They are loaded with fiber, which aids digestion and supports gut health. Additionally, white beans contain iron, magnesium, and folate—essential nutrients for energy production and overall well-being.
2. Mushrooms – A Burst of Umami
Mushrooms are the perfect addition to any plant-based dish, bringing a deep, meaty flavor without any animal products. Shiitake and cremini mushrooms work particularly well in this recipe, offering a rich umami taste that complements the creamy broth. They’re also packed with antioxidants and compounds that support immune health.
3. Baby Potatoes – Comfort and Texture
Potatoes add heartiness to the stew, making it more filling and satisfying. Their natural starch helps thicken the broth while delivering potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. The small size of baby potatoes allows them to cook quickly and hold their shape well in the stew.
4. Aromatics & Herbs – Elevating the Flavor
The combination of onions, garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, and Dijon mustard creates a layered, aromatic depth that transforms this simple dish into something truly special. The Dijon mustard, in particular, adds a touch of acidity that enhances the umami elements of the mushrooms and beans.
How to Serve White Bean Mushroom Stew
This stew is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various sides and toppings. Here are some great ways to enjoy it:
- With Crusty Bread – A slice of toasted sourdough or baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Over Rice or Quinoa – Serve the stew over a bed of grains for an extra hearty meal.
- With a Side Salad – Pair it with a fresh green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Topped with Fresh Herbs – A sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh thyme adds a burst of color and freshness.
Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about this stew is its adaptability. Here are some creative ways to make it your own:
1. Make It Gluten-Free
The original recipe is gluten-free by default, but if you want to ensure complete gluten-free safety, check that your tamari or soy sauce is certified gluten-free.
2. Add More Veggies
While mushrooms and potatoes are the stars here, you can add extra vegetables like:
- Carrots for a touch of sweetness.
- Kale or spinach for extra greens and nutrients.
- Bell peppers for a subtle crunch.
3. Switch Up the Beans
If you don’t have white beans on hand, you can use chickpeas, butter beans, or lentils as alternatives. Each will bring a slightly different texture while maintaining the dish’s heartiness.
4. Spice It Up
For an extra kick, try adding:
- Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami-rich taste.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
This stew is perfect for meal prep, and it stores well for future meals.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The stew thickens as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or plant-based milk when reheating.
- Freezing: This stew is freezer-friendly! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove with a bit of extra liquid.
Conclusion:
White Bean Mushroom Stew is more than just a mealit’s an experience of warmth, nourishment, and comfort. This easy, one-pot dish delivers on flavor, texture, and nutrition, making it a fantastic addition to any meal rotation. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a wholesome, satisfying dish, this stew is guaranteed to impress.
With its rich umami depth, creamy consistency, and hearty ingredients, it’s the kind of recipe that warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s completely customizable, meaning you can tweak it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Serve it with crusty bread, over grains, or enjoy it on its own it’s delicious no matter how you have it.
