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Tomato Bean Stew

Tomato Bean Stew

This Tomato Bean Stew is a warm, comforting, and flavorful dish that combines hearty beans with rich tomatoes and fresh vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for cozy weeknights and offers a balanced mix of taste, nutrition, and simplicity, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced cooks.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Tomatoes

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14-15 oz) diced tomatoes

Aromatics and Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 23 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped

Liquids and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups vegetable broth

Spices and Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant. This builds the flavor base that will infuse the entire stew.
  2. Add Bell Peppers and Spices: Stir in chopped bell peppers, cumin, and paprika. Allow them to cook for 3-4 minutes until peppers soften slightly and spices bloom in the oil, releasing their aroma.
  3. Pour in Tomatoes and Broth: Add canned diced tomatoes along with vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly, about 10 minutes.
  4. Incorporate Beans and Simmer: Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the stew. Stir well and allow the stew to simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes so the beans heat through and soak up the tomato flavor.
  5. Season and Finish: Taste your Tomato Bean Stew and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat, then stir in fresh herbs for a bright, fresh contrast before serving.

Notes

  • Use quality canned tomatoes: The flavor of your stew depends heavily on good tomatoes.
  • Rinse canned beans: This removes excess sodium and can prevent bitterness.
  • Don’t rush simmering: Letting the stew simmer allows flavors to deepen and combine beautifully.
  • Adjust thickness: If your stew is too thick, add a splash of broth or water for the perfect texture.
  • Fresh herbs at the end: Adding herbs last preserves their brightness and fragrance.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato bean stew, quick stew, easy bean recipe, vegan stew, gluten free dinner, healthy stew, weeknight dinner