Navy Bean Vegetable Stew
A hearty vegetable stew featuring navy beans, fresh herbs, and garden vegetables, perfect for comforting, nutritious meals suitable for vegetarians and bean lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover navy beans with water and bring to a boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the beans and boil until the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Navy Bean Vegetable Stew, consider adding a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. If you don't have navy beans, great substitutes include great northern or cannellini beans. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also be delightful additions.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad, such as That Salad, for a complete meal. For a touch of brightness, serve it alongside a refreshing drink like Sunny-Side Grapefruit. If you're looking for a vegan option, this stew is perfect as it is, showcasing the natural flavors of the vegetables and beans.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Navy Bean Vegetable Stew contains roughly 327 calories, with 9g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 563mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned navy beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned navy beans to save time. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and boiling steps, and simply add them to the pot with the other ingredients. Adjust the cooking time, as you only need to heat the vegetables through rather than fully cook the beans.
What other vegetables can I add to the stew?
Feel free to customize your stew by adding vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Leafy greens such as spinach or kale can also be stirred in just before serving for added nutrition and flavor. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as some vegetables may require more time to soften than others.
How can I make this stew more filling?
To make the stew more filling, consider adding grains such as quinoa, barley, or rice. Alternatively, you can stir in some diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness. These additions will not only enhance the texture but also provide additional nutrients, making it an even more satisfying dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).