Lemon Parmesan Bean Stew
A Mediterranean-inspired stew made with white beans simmered in a garlicky broth, brightened with lemon, and enriched with Parmesan cheese. It’s comforting yet light — a perfect balance for a nourishing meal.
⏱ Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Ingredients
2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans (or Great Northern beans), drained & rinsed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
½ tsp dried oregano
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Zest & juice of 1 lemon
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: 2 cups spinach or kale for extra greens
Instructions
1. Build the Base
1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic, thyme, and oregano. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Stew
1. Add beans and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Let cook 12–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. (Optional) Mash a few beans against the pot sides to thicken the stew naturally.
3. Add Brightness & Richness
1. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan.
2. If using greens, add them now and simmer until wilted.
3. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.
4. Finish & Serve
1. Ladle into bowls.
2. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
3. Serve with crusty bread or toasted pita.
To Serve
Enjoy as a main with bread or rice.
Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted veggies.
Notes & Tips
For creamier texture: stir in a splash of cream or extra olive oil before serving.
For extra flavor: add a Parmesan rind to simmer with the stew, then remove before serving.
Chickpeas or lentils can be swapped in for variety.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make this vegan?
Yes — skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
Q: How long does it keep?
Up to 3–4 days in the fridge. Tastes even better the next day!
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes, but add lemon juice after reheating for the freshest taste.
Nutrition information
Calories: 310
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 10g