Creamy Butter Bean & Roasted Butternut Squash Stew

Creamy Butter Bean & Roasted Butternut Squash Stew

A cozy, nutrient-packed dish with slow-simmered butter beans, roasted butternut squash, and a luscious, herby broth. Perfect for chilly nights!

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 oz) can butter beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced

• 1 large yellow onion, quartered

• 2 whole garlic bulbs, tops sliced off

• 2 tbsp avocado oil

• 4 cups vegetable broth (plus 3 cups for gradual addition)

• 1 bunch fresh thyme (a ton—because we love it!)

• 2 bay leaves

• ½ cup cream or dairy-free substitute

• 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)

• 1 avocado, sliced (for topping)

• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for topping)

• 2 green onions, sliced (for topping)

• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Roast the Butternut Squash:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F.

   • Toss diced butternut squash with 1 tbsp avocado oil and salt.

   • Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. Sear the Aromatics:

   • In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp avocado oil over medium heat.

   • Add the onion and garlic bulbs (cut-side down) and sear until golden and fragrant.

   • Stir in the thyme and bay leaves, letting them release their aroma for about 30 seconds.

3. Simmer the Beans:

   • Add the butter beans and 4 cups of vegetable broth to the pot.

   • Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook uncovered for 2 hours, adding extra broth (from the additional 3 cups) as needed.

4. Blend for Creaminess:

   • Once the beans are tender, remove the garlic and onion.

   • Blend them with a splash of broth using an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth.

   • Stir the mixture back into the pot to thicken the broth.

5. Add the Final Touches:

   • Stir in ½ cup of cream or dairy-free substitute for extra creaminess.

   • Gently fold in the roasted butternut squash.

   • Sun-dried tomatoes

   • Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

6. Serve & Garnish:

   • Ladle into bowls and top with sliced avocado, fresh parsley, and green onions.

   • Enjoy with warm crusty bread or on its own!

Why This Dish is Good for You:

Not only is this stew deliciously comforting, but it’s packed with nutrients that’ll make your body do a happy dance. Butter beans are a powerhouse of fiber and protein, so say hello to a healthy heart and digestion! The butternut squash is loaded with vitamins A and C, giving your skin a natural glow (who needs a face mask when you’ve got this?). And the thyme, garlic, and onions bring all those immune-boosting benefits—no more sniffles, thank you very much! Plus, the added avocado and sun-dried tomatoes? Well, let’s just say they’re there to make your taste buds do a little happy jig. Eat up, feel good, and don’t be afraid to go for that second bowl—your body will thank you later!