Quick Provençal Mushroom and White Bean Stew
Quick Provençal Mushroom and White Bean Stew Recipe from Croatia
Introduction
This Quick Provençal Mushroom and White Bean Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with mushrooms, white beans, and aromatic herbs, this stew is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
History
This recipe is inspired by the traditional flavors of Provence, a region in the south of France known for its delicious and rustic cuisine. The combination of mushrooms, white beans, and tomatoes is a classic in Provençal cooking, and this stew puts a modern twist on a timeless dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (454 g) fresh white mushrooms (about 5 cups) - sliced
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 0.75 tsp crushed dried thyme
- 2 cans (13 oz / 369 g each) vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) stewed tomatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
- 0.25 cup dry white wine
- 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
How to prepare
- In a dutch oven or large stockpot, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it is hot.
- Add the mushrooms, onion, garlic, and thyme. Cook and stir until the onion is very tender and the mushrooms are slightly golden, about 8 minutes.
- Add the vegetable broth, tomatoes (including the liquid), and wine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer to blend the flavors, about 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mash 1 cup of the beans until smooth. Add the mashed beans to the stew.
- Stir in the remaining beans and heat until hot, about 8 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Variations
- Add some chopped kale or spinach for extra greens.
- Stir in a spoonful of pesto for a burst of flavor.
- Top with a dollop of vegan sour cream or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a creamy finish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to slice the mushrooms thinly to ensure they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors of the stew.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash more of the beans to create a creamier texture.
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This stew is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it over cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. A side of crusty bread or a green salad would also complement this dish nicely.
Cooking Techniques
This stew is cooked on the stovetop in a dutch oven or large stockpot. Be sure to simmer the stew gently to allow the flavors to meld together.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use any variety of mushrooms in this recipe, such as cremini or shiitake.
- If you don't have white wine on hand, you can substitute with vegetable broth or water.
Make Ahead Tips
This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color. A drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the dish.
Pairing Recommendations
This stew pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with sparkling water infused with lemon or cucumber.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this stew contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of this stew contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of this stew contains approximately 7 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of this stew contains approximately 12 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
This stew is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe is gluten-free and vegan-friendly. However, it does contain beans, so it may not be suitable for those with legume allergies.
Summary
This Quick Provençal Mushroom and White Bean Stew is a nutritious and satisfying meal that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
This Quick Provençal Mushroom and White Bean Stew is a simple yet satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with mushrooms, white beans, and aromatic herbs, this stew is sure to warm you up and nourish your body with its nutritious ingredients. Enjoy a bowl of this flavorful stew on its own or paired with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a beautiful summer day in Provence, France, and I was strolling through the local market, taking in the sights and smells of the vibrant stalls. The sun was warm on my skin, and the air was filled with the heady scent of fresh herbs and ripe produce.
As I wandered through the market, I came across a small stand where an elderly woman was selling an array of fresh mushrooms. I couldn't resist stopping to admire her wares, and as we struck up a conversation, she began to tell me about her favorite way to prepare them - in a quick Provençal mushroom and white bean stew.
Her eyes sparkled as she described the dish, her words filled with passion and nostalgia. She spoke of the earthy mushrooms, the creamy white beans, and the fragrant herbs that came together to create a dish that was simple yet bursting with flavor. I could practically taste it as she spoke, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it for myself.
The woman generously shared her recipe with me, writing it down on a scrap of paper in her elegant script. She told me that it was a dish that had been passed down through her family for generations, and that she was happy to pass it on to me. I thanked her profusely, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the chance encounter that had led me to this moment.
Back at my rented villa, I gathered the ingredients for the stew - fresh mushrooms, tender white beans, fragrant herbs, and a few simple pantry staples. As I chopped and sautéed and simmered, I felt a sense of connection to the woman at the market, to her family, and to the rich culinary traditions of Provence.
The stew came together quickly, just as the woman had promised. The mushrooms released their earthy aroma as they cooked, mingling with the savory beans and the bright flavors of the herbs. I ladled the stew into bowls, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of good olive oil.
As I took my first bite, I was transported back to that sunny afternoon in the market, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Provence. The stew was everything the woman had promised and more - hearty and comforting, yet light and fresh. It was a dish that felt like home, even though I was thousands of miles away from my own kitchen.
I made the stew many times during my stay in Provence, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I added a splash of white wine for a touch of acidity, or a handful of cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness. Each variation was delicious in its own way, a testament to the versatility of the dish.
When I returned home, I shared the recipe with my family and friends, passing on the tradition that had been handed down to me. They were delighted by the stew, marveling at its simplicity and depth of flavor. It became a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I turned to again and again when I wanted something comforting and nourishing.
Over the years, I have continued to make the quick Provençal mushroom and white bean stew, adapting it to suit the changing seasons and my evolving tastes. It is a dish that never fails to bring me joy and comfort, reminding me of that fateful day in the market when I discovered a recipe that would become a treasured part of my culinary repertoire.
And so, as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of the stew on a chilly winter evening, I am filled with gratitude for the kind woman in Provence who shared her recipe with me, and for the rich tapestry of food and memories that have shaped my life. The stew is more than just a dish - it is a connection to the past, a celebration of tradition, and a reminder of the power of food to nourish both body and soul.
Categories
| Cannellini Bean Recipes | Croatian Recipes | Croatian Vegetarian | Onion Recipes | Slavic Recipes | Stew Recipes | Tomato Recipes | Vegetable Stock And Broth Recipes | White Mushroom Recipes | White Wine Recipes |