Smoky Black and White Bean Stew
A deeply flavorful stew featuring a harmony of black and white beans simmered with smoky paprika and aromatic vegetables for a comforting, earthy meal. This american-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 110 minutes pairs dried black beans, dried white beans (cannellini), large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried black beans
- 1 cup dried white beans (cannellini)
- 1 large, diced onion
- 2 stalks, diced celery
- 2, diced carrot
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced celery stalks, and 2 diced carrots; cook for 5 minutes until softened and golden around the edges.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed black beans, 1 cup rinsed white beans, 1 bay leaf, and 4 cups vegetable broth; bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender.
- Step 4: Discard the bay leaf and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Black and White Bean Stew take to make?
Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 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 Smoky Black and White 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 dried black beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Black and White 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 Smoky Black and White Bean Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Smoky Black and White Bean Stew vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The beans were cooked to perfection, and the smokiness was just right.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a cold evening, and so easy to make!
- ★★★★★
Loved the smoky flavor, my family devoured it!
