WHITE BEAN AND KALE STEW
White Bean and Kale Stew is a comforting and wholesome one-pot dish that brings together nutrient-dense ingredients with minimal effort. With creamy white beans, hearty kale, sautéed onion, garlic and a zing of lemon juice, this stew is both delicious and deeply nourishing. Simmered in a light vegetable broth, it strikes the perfect balance between earthy, tangy and savoury flavours. Rich in plant-based protein and fibre, it supports digestive health and energy levels while keeping you full for hours. This stew is easy to prepare and makes a perfect weeknight dinner, especially during colder months. Serve it on its own for a light but satisfying meal or pair it with crusty wholegrain bread for added texture. It also stores and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep and next-day lunches.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Stew
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Winter
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Healthy, High Fibre, Low Fat, Low Sodium, Quick & Easy, Wheat / Gluten-Free
DISH TYPE
Soup / Stew
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup canned white beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chopped kale
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Fat: 5.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Carbohydrate: 37.8 g
- Sugar: 3.8 g
- Fiber: 8.8 g
- Sodium: 1082.8 mg
- Protein: 11.3 g
- Calcium: 185.1 mg
- Iron: 4.7 mg
- Potassium: 816.6 mg
PREPARATION
- Sauté Onion And Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Kale And Lemon Juice: Stir in chopped kale and lemon juice, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the kale begins to wilt.
- Add White Beans And Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the white beans. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer The Stew: Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, allowing the flavours to blend and the kale to become tender.
- Season To Taste: Add salt and pepper as needed, adjusting to your flavour preference.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the stew into a bowl and serve hot, optionally with lemon zest or a slice of crusty bread.
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOKING TIME
15 minutes
TIPS
- Massage Kale: Massaging raw kale before adding it to the pot helps it soften quicker and improves its digestibility.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the simmering time to preserve kale’s nutrients and colour.
- Lemon Brightness: Add lemon juice toward the end of cooking to maintain its tangy flavour.
- Oil-Free Option: Skip the oil and sauté using a splash of broth for a fat-free version.
VARIATIONS
- Add Grains: Stir in pre-cooked quinoa, barley or brown rice to make the stew more filling.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red chilli flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle heat.
- Extra Veggies: Include chopped celery, carrot or courgette for added nutrients and texture.
- Creamy Version: Stir in 1 tbsp coconut milk or cashew cream at the end for a creamy finish.
- Herb Swap: Use thyme or rosemary in place of lemon juice for an earthier flavour profile.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store cooled stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Label and date for freshness.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat and stir it occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.