One Pot Mushroom & White Bean Stew

When life gets busy, there’s nothing more comforting than a one-pot wonder that’s healthy, filling, and ridiculously easy to make. This Mushroom & White Bean Stew ticks all those boxes—and then some. It’s creamy from the coconut milk, flavourful thanks to curry powder and lemon, and bursting with plant-based protein from the beans.

This is the kind of meal you’ll come back to on repeat. It works for a quick weeknight dinner, reheats beautifully for lunch the next day, and is wholesome enough to keep you fuelled and satisfied. Best of all, everything comes together in just one pan (less washing up = more time for you!).

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE.

• One pot = no stress. Minimal dishes, maximum flavour.

• Protein-packed thanks to white beans.

• Super versatile – eat it on its own, with rice, or with crusty bread.

• Naturally dairy-free and vegetarian, with simple swaps for other dietary needs.

• Ready in 30 minutes, making it weeknight-friendly.

RECIPE: ONE POT MUSHROOM & WHITE BEAN STEW.

Serves: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

150g (5 oz) button mushrooms, sliced

400g (12.8 oz) canned white beans, drained

1½ tsp. curry powder

150ml (5.3 fl oz) vegetable stock

120ml (4.1 fl oz) canned coconut milk

100g (3.8 oz) spinach

½ lemon, juiced

Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD.

1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add mushrooms with a splash of water and sauté for 5 minutes until golden brown.

3. Stir in the beans, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.

4. Pour in the stock and coconut milk. Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes.

5. Remove lid, add spinach, and cook for 2–4 minutes until wilted.

6. Stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

LET'S TALK PROTEIN.

Protein isn’t just for gym-goers—it’s essential for everyone. It helps build and repair tissues, supports hormones, keeps blood sugar stable, and is key for satiety (aka keeping you full).

This stew is a fantastic plant-based protein option. White beans deliver around 15g of protein per cup, plus they’re rich in fibre, which keeps digestion happy. Pair this stew with quinoa, brown rice, or even a side of roasted chicken if you want to boost the protein further.

Some easy protein-boosting tips for this dish:

• Stir in extra beans or lentils.

• Add grilled chicken, prawns, or tofu on top.

• Sprinkle with hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds before serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS.

This stew is a dream on its own, but here are a few ways to change it up:

With Rice or Quinoa: For extra fibre and staying power.

With Bread: Crusty sourdough is perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.

As a Side Dish: Pair with roast chicken, lamb, or salmon.

Lunchbox-Friendly: Cool, pack, and reheat—it tastes even better the next day.

WHY THIS STEW IS A HEALTHY LIVING HERO.

Mushrooms: Low in calories, rich in antioxidants, and immune-boosting.

White beans: Protein, fibre, iron, and folate all in one.

Spinach: Packed with iron, magnesium, and vitamins A & C.

Coconut milk: Provides healthy fats that make the dish satisfying.

Lemon juice: Brightens flavour and adds vitamin C.

It’s hearty comfort food with a nutritionist’s stamp of approval.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR EFFORTLESS HEALTHY EATING.

Double the recipe. This stew freezes well, so future-you will thank present-you.

Batch-prep mushrooms. Slice and freeze them raw—ready to toss straight into the pan.

Stock swap. Use chicken or bone broth if you want a richer, collagen-boosted version.

Add extra greens. Kale, silverbeet or rainbow chard works just as well as spinach.

FINAL THOUGHTS.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or bland. This One Pot Mushroom & White Bean Stew proves you can have a hearty, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes, with only one pan to clean up. It’s plant-based, protein-rich, and endlessly adaptable—exactly the kind of recipe to keep in your back pocket when life gets busy.

So, grab a bowl, get cosy, and enjoy this nourishing dish. It’s one you’ll keep coming back to.