Spicy White Bean Stew with Harissa Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s comforting, packed with flavor, and just the right amount of kick, my Spicy White Bean Stew with Harissa Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this stew combines creamy beans, smoky spices, and the vibrant heat of harissa into a meal that’s both satisfying and simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just looking for a hearty lunch, this stew will quickly become one of your go-to dishes, trust me!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients work harmoniously to build incredible flavors—a mix of aromatic veggies, smoky spices, and hearty beans. When shopping, look for good-quality harissa sauce, as it truly shines here. Also, fresh herbs and a juicy lemon at the end brighten everything up perfectly.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Opt for a fruity flavor to enrich the stew’s base.
• Yellow onion: Diced finely to melt into sweetness.
• Carrots: Adds subtle natural sweetness and body.
• Celery ribs: For that essential aromatic crunch.
• Roasted red pepper: Gives smoky depth—canned or jarred works great here.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that brings richness.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami; vegetarian versions work just fine.
• Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced for a fragrant punch.
• Spicy harissa sauce: The star spice—choose your preferred heat level.
• Smoked paprika: Reinforces smoky notes subtly.
• Ground cumin: Earthy warmth to round out spices.
• Fresh thyme: Bright herbaceous lift.
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Season to taste perfectly.
• Canned cannellini beans: These get mashed to thicken the stew.
• Canned butter beans: For creamy texture and added protein.
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a smoky flavor boost.
• Vegetable stock: Use a good-quality one to enhance overall taste.
• Green leaf kale: Stirred in last for color and nutrients.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens and freshens the final dish.
• Lemon juice: Balances the richness with acidity.
• Feta crumbles (optional): Adds a salty, creamy contrast on top.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional): For cooling creaminess if your stew is on the spicier side.

Variations

I’m always tweaking this Spicy White Bean Stew with Harissa Recipe to suit my mood and pantry. Feel free to customize it to your liking—it’s super forgiving and versatile.

• Add Protein: Sometimes I throw in cooked chicken or crumbled sausage to make it even heartier for dinner.
• Mild Version: If you’re not into heat, use a mild harissa or cut back the amount—your taste buds will thank you.
• Seasonal Greens: Swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard depending on what you have available—each change adds a new texture.
• Make it Vegan: Skip the Worcestershire if it’s not vegan, and top with a dollop of cashew cream instead of yogurt or feta.

How to Make Spicy White Bean Stew with Harissa Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Build Flavor

Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, carrots, celery, and roasted red pepper along with a generous pinch of kosher salt. Sauté for about 6-8 minutes until the veggies soften and the onion becomes translucent. This step is key because it develops the stew’s base flavor—don’t rush it! Stir occasionally and keep an eye so nothing browns too much.

Step 2: Add Tomato Paste and Worcestershire Sauce

Once the veggies are tender, stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook this mixture for 30 to 60 seconds, letting the tomato paste slightly caramelize. This adds a rich umami depth that makes a huge difference in the final stew.

Step 3: Stir in Garlic, Harissa & Spices

Next, add the sliced garlic, harissa sauce, smoked paprika, ground cumin, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the spices bloom nicely. This is when your kitchen will start smelling incredible—trust me, this aroma gets everyone excited!

Step 4: Mash Beans & Combine Everything

In a small bowl, mash the cannellini beans until you get a thick paste—it’s fine if some beans remain whole or in pieces; I found that texture adds body to the stew. Stir the mashed cannellini beans and whole butter beans into the pot along with diced fire-roasted tomatoes and vegetable stock. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 5: Simmer Until Thickened

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens beautifully. If you like it thicker, just simmer a bit longer. This slow simmer helps the flavors marry and intensify.

Step 6: Add Kale, Parsley & Lemon

Finally, toss in chopped kale and fresh parsley, letting the greens wilt for 1-2 minutes. Stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten everything. Do a taste test and adjust salt or harissa if needed—this is where you make it your own!

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Scoop your stew into bowls and garnish with extra parsley, crumbled feta, and if you like, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to balance the heat. Serve with crusty bread for dipping—this meal will impress any hungry friends or family you share it with.

How to Serve Spicy White Bean Stew with Harissa Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I love sprinkling fresh parsley and crumbled feta on top. The feta’s salty creaminess pairs perfectly with the spicy stew, and those pops of green freshen every bite. If you want, a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream mellows the heat wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is my go-to side—perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. You could also serve this with warm pita or a simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette to keep things light yet balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served this stew in rustic bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and extra herbs for dinner parties. For a cozy vibe, try topping with toasted pine nuts and a little lemon zest—it makes the dish feel special without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend letting it cool fully before refrigerating. The flavors deepen overnight, and reheating gently on the stove works best to keep texture intact.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 3 months. When thawing, I do it overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove to keep the beans from breaking down too much.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it looks too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried making this Spicy White Bean Stew with Harissa Recipe, I was blown away by how bold and layered the flavors were without any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It quickly became a staple in my home, especially on chilly evenings when you want something cozy and wholesome. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this stew as much as I do—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, but with a lively kick that keeps you coming back for more. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—you’re going to love it!

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