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Mediterranean white bean and tomato stew with spinach, herbs, and onions served in a ceramic bowl.
Ikaria Longevity Recipes Dinner Plant-Based

Mediterranean White Bean and Tomato Stew

A simple bean stew with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil.

Tender white beans simmered with tomatoes, onion, garlic, and herbs for a filling one-pot meal.

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5 stars
★★★★★ 5.0 (1 ratings)
By Jentezen Reed, Ph.D. October 3, 2026 Blue Regions contributor

Prep

15 min

Cook

35 min

Total

50 min

Serves

4

Difficulty

Easy

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About this recipe

Beans have a long history in Mediterranean cooking, including the food traditions of Ikaria. This version keeps things simple with canned white beans, tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a little olive oil. It is the kind of meal that can come together on a weeknight without a long list of ingredients.

What you'll need

Ingredients

Servings 4
  • 2 tbsp
  • 1 medium
  • 3 cloves
  • 2 15-ounce cans
  • 1 14.5-ounce can
  • 1 cup
  • 1 tsp
  • 1/2 tsp
  • 1
  • 1/2 tsp
  • 1/4 tsp
  • 2 cups
  • 1 tbsp

Let's cook

Step-by-step instructions

01

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 1 of Mediterranean White Bean and Tomato Stew
02

Step 2

Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it does not burn.

Step 2 of Mediterranean White Bean and Tomato Stew
03

Step 3

Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 3 of Mediterranean White Bean and Tomato Stew
04

Step 4

Add the drained white beans and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4 of Mediterranean White Bean and Tomato Stew
05

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes and broth should reduce slightly and the beans should be tender and well coated in the sauce.

Step 5 of Mediterranean White Bean and Tomato Stew
06

Step 6

Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until wilted.

Step 6 of Mediterranean White Bean and Tomato Stew
07

Step 7

Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add the lemon juice if using, then serve warm.

Step 7 of Mediterranean White Bean and Tomato Stew

Nutrition

Nutritional information

Calories

306

Protein

16g

Carbohydrates

46g

Fat

8g

Fiber

14g

Kitchen notes

Notes

This recipe uses canned white beans for convenience. If using dried beans, cook them separately until tender before adding them to the stew. The stew will thicken slightly as it cools.

Tips

Rinse and drain canned beans before using them. For a thicker stew, mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot during cooking. Taste before adding extra salt because canned beans and vegetable broth can vary in sodium.

Substitutions

Cannellini beans can be replaced with Great Northern beans or another cooked white bean. Kale or Swiss chard can be used instead of spinach. Dried oregano can be replaced with fresh oregano if available.

Serving suggestions

Serve with whole-grain bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. A small drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon just before serving can brighten the dish.

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Blue Regions reviews recipes and related content before publication and makes corrections or updates when needed. Nutrition information, where provided, is an estimate and may vary. We may use AI tools to assist with writing and visual content. Some images may be AI-generated illustrations rather than photographs of the actual dish. We remain responsible for the content we publish.

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