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–+ servings

Crockpot Mediterranean White Bean Stew

A hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy weeknight meal packed with tender white beans, aromatic herbs, and vibrant spinach, infused with delightful Mediterranean flavors.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans cannellini, Great Northern, or Navy beans
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with their juices
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 Parmesan rind optional
  • 5 ounces baby spinach about 5 packed cups
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • large pot

Method
 

Prepare Aromatics
  1. First, drain and thoroughly rinse your white beans. Finely chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic. These aromatics will form the flavor foundation of your stew.
Build the Flavor Base
  1. In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes softened and translucent, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and the optional red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This step is key to developing a rich flavor profile.
Simmer the Stew
  1. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and the rinsed white beans. Add the fresh rosemary sprigs, kosher salt, black pepper, and the optional Parmesan rind. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to begin melding beautifully.
Wilt the Spinach & Serve
  1. Now, stir in the baby spinach a few handfuls at a time. Allow the spinach to wilt just slightly into the hot stew, which only takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 15gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 20mg

Notes

For an even creamier consistency, before adding the spinach, take a spoon and gently mash a portion of the beans against the side of the pot. This releases their starches and thickens the stew naturally. Taste your stew before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Always taste your stew before serving. Broth saltiness can vary, so adjust salt and pepper as needed. The Parmesan rind truly elevates the savory depth of this stew. Add the spinach right at the end to keep it bright green and tender-crisp. Letting the stew rest for 5-10 minutes off the heat before serving allows the flavors to deepen further. Stick to the specified amount of broth for the perfect stew consistency.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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