Name: Mediterranean White Bean Stew Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup dry white wine; 4 (15.5 ounce/439 gram) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (14.5 ounce/411 gram) can diced tomatoes; 1 (15 ounce/425 gram) can tomato sauce; 1 cup vegetable broth, plus up to an additional 1/2 cup if needed; 1 cup Kalamata olives, halved; 2 cups baby spinach; 2 tablespoons capers; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 13 reviews

If you are looking to warm your soul with something comforting, vibrant, and absolutely packed with flavor, this Mediterranean White Bean Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. This hearty stew brings together tender cannellini beans swimming in a rich tomato base, tangy Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs that brighten every bite. With each spoonful, you’ll find layers of savory garlic, sweet wine notes, and a hint of zesty lemon that makes this dish beautifully balanced and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re craving a nourishing weeknight meal or something to impress friends over, this stew is a timeless favorite that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean coast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view inside a large white pot with a red handle, showing small golden-brown cooked onion pieces layered mostly at the bottom with some spread slightly up the sides. A wooden spoon with a smooth, dark brown surface is stirring the onions from the right side. The pot’s inner surface shows some light browning and cooking marks. The background is a white marbled surface with a soft cloth seen blurred in the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Mediterranean White Bean Stew so spectacular are its simple, vibrant ingredients that combine effortlessly to create a dish bursting with texture, color, and flavor. Each component plays a vital role: the beans lend creaminess, the olives provide a salty punch, and fresh basil adds that unmistakable herbaceous flair. Here’s what you’ll gather before we start cooking:

Olive oil: The classic Mediterranean fat that adds richness and helps soften the onions perfectly.
Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base when gently sautéed.
Garlic: Infuses the stew with warmth and depth of flavor.
Dry white wine: Adds a subtle acidity and sophistication to the stew.
Cannellini beans: These creamy white beans create the stew’s hearty, satisfying body.
Diced tomatoes: Bring a bright, tangy note and lovely color.
Tomato sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the stew nicely.
Vegetable broth: Provides a savory liquid base that ties everything together.
Kalamata olives: Halved to deliver bursts of briny, fruity flavor.
Baby spinach: Adds fresh green color and a mild, leafy taste.
Capers: These little jewels offer a delightful, tangy saltiness.
Fresh basil leaves: Roughly chopped to bring aromatic sweetness at the end.
Lemon juice and zest: Give the stew a sunny brightness that lifts all the flavors.
Salt and pepper: To season and bring out the natural tastes of the ingredients.

How to Make Mediterranean White Bean Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add diced onion. Let it sweat gently for about five minutes until it softens and releases its natural sweetness. Then, stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, letting that wonderful aroma fill your kitchen without browning it — this is the flavorful foundation of your stew.

Step 2: Adding Wine for Depth

Pour in the dry white wine, which will bring a subtle tang and complexity to the dish. Bring the wine to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let it reduce by half over approximately four minutes. This step intensifies the flavor, ensuring your stew has a rich and layered base.

Step 3: Combining the Main Ingredients

Next, stir in the drained cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. It’s like a Mediterranean party in one pot! Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to a low simmer. Let the stew cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to blend beautifully. If the stew gets too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more broth.

Step 4: Adding the Olives, Spinach, and Capers

Now, toss in the halved Kalamata olives, fresh baby spinach, and capers. Give it a stir and let everything simmer together for just two minutes until the spinach wilts tenderly. These ingredients add pops of color and that characteristic Mediterranean salty tang you’ll love.

Step 5: Final Touches

Remove the pot from heat and fold in the chopped fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, and lemon zest. These fresh, zesty notes brighten the stew wonderfully. Season to taste with salt and pepper, remembering the olives and capers add their own seasoning, so adjust carefully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your lovingly prepared Mediterranean White Bean Stew into bowls. It’s ready to warm your heart and delight your taste buds!

How to Serve Mediterranean White Bean Stew Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick orange bean soup that has big white and red beans, with visible tomato chunks and green herbs mixed in. The soup is topped with a sprinkle of light brown powder and chopped green herbs. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface next to bright green basil leaves and light green fabric. On the upper left corner, there are three slices of crusty bread with a golden-brown crust. Another white bowl with the same soup is partially visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some extra fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of green and fragrance right before serving. You might also add a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you love a little heat. A wedge of lemon on the side invites your guests to add extra zing if they like.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread for dunking, a fluffy couscous salad, or even a light Greek salad on the side. The creaminess of the beans and the freshness of the vegetables make it wonderfully versatile to enjoy with any carb or fresh vegetable dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the stew over cooked grains like polenta or brown rice to add texture. You could even stuff it into roasted bell peppers for a stunning presentation. In summer months, serve it slightly cooled, almost like a chunky soup, paired with chilled white wine to evoke the true spirit of the Mediterranean coast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Mediterranean White Bean Stew keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld and improve, making your leftovers even tastier than the day you made it!

Freezing

Too much stew? No worries! This dish freezes well for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing and leave some space at the top for expansion.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may want to add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the stew thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway to ensure even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just remember to soak your white beans overnight and cook them fully before adding them to the stew. It will take a bit more time upfront but can deepen the texture and flavor even more.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, it is naturally vegan since it uses only plant-based ingredients. Just make sure your vegetable broth is free from any animal products to keep it fully vegan.

Can I substitute the white wine?

You can swap the white wine with additional vegetable broth plus a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar to maintain that subtle acidity without alcohol.

How spicy is this stew?

This Mediterranean White Bean Stew Recipe is mild by default but offers a fantastic canvas for any heat you want to add, such as red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

What’s the best bread to serve with this stew?

Crunchy, crusty artisan breads like sourdough or a rustic baguette are perfect for dipping and soaking up all those delicious juices.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a recipe that feels wholesome, flavorful, and wonderfully Mediterranean, this Mediterranean White Bean Stew Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s easy to make, packed with nutritious ingredients, and friendly for any season. I hope you enjoy making it as much as tasting it, and that it becomes one of your cherished go-to meals for comfort and delight!