White Bean Stew (Meatless Monday)
 
 
Author:
Cuisine: Soup/Stew
Ingredients
  • 1 pound dried white beans (I used navy beans, but great northern would be good too), washed and pre-soaked. Or, 4 - 15 ounce cans...not drained.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup thick sliced carrot
  • 1 cup rough diced celery
  • ½ cups rough diced onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 - 8 cups vegetable stock
  • 1½ tablespoons dried Italian seasoning blend
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen sliced okra
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (I used Rotel brand - don't add until the beans are soft.)
  • 1 teaspoon creole seasoning blend (you could use Cajun too but don't add until the beans are soft)
Instructions
  1. In a large stockpot, soak the beans, either overnight or using the quick-soak method.
  2. Drain in a colander and set aside.
  3. Using the same stockpot, over medium heat, add the olive oil.
  4. Once the oil is warmed, add the carrots and celery.
  5. Cook for about 4 minutes.
  6. Add the onions and continue to cook for another 3 minutes.
  7. Add the garlic and continue to cook for another couple of minutes.
  8. Add six cups of liquid, either stock or water.***
  9. Add the pre-soaked beans, Italian seasoning blend, bay leaf and Creole seasoning (if using Cajun seasoning wait to add until the beans are soft).
  10. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the stockpot and simmer until the beans are softened (about 2-3 hours...more, if needed...every bean is different).
  11. Add stock or water, as needed, once the beans absorb the initial liquid.
  12. Once the beans are softened, add the okra, diced tomatoes with chilies (if you're using Cajun seasoning, this is when you will add it).
  13. Allow to simmer for another 20 minutes or so, until the okra is softened.
  14. Adjust any seasoning at this time, adding salt and more ground black pepper, to taste.
  15. Remove the bay leaves prior to serving.
  16. Serve hot in bowls.
Notes
***At this point, if you are using canned beans, add them and all the other ingredients. Don't drain the beans! You'll just simmer this until the okra is cooked, about 20 minutes.
Recipe by The Saucy Southerner at http://www.thesaucysoutherner.com/white-bean-stew-meatless-monday/