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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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!
