Miso-Caramelized Onion and Black Bean Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply flavorful vegetarian stew with sweet caramelized onions, earthy miso, and protein-rich black beans. This japanese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 minutes pairs onion, miso paste, black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Japanese-Inspired cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced large onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp miso paste, 1 (15 oz) can drained black beans, 3 cups vegetable broth, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1/2 tsp salt to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Caramelized Onion and Black Bean Stew take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Miso-Caramelized Onion and Black Bean Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Caramelized Onion and Black Bean Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Miso-Caramelized Onion and Black Bean Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Miso-Caramelized Onion and Black Bean Stew?

Japanese-Inspired vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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