This roasted garlic and Parmesan butter bean stew is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Creamy butter beans, tender Swiss chard, and a velvety broth made rich with roasted garlic and Parmesan create a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving something hearty yet wholesome, this stew brings big flavors with minimal fuss. Serve it with crusty bread (or gluten-free rolls) to soak up every last bit of that luscious broth.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

Flavor-Packed: Roasted garlic adds a mellow, caramelized depth, white wine for acidity, a pinch of ground nutmeg for warmth, while parmesan ties it all together.
Nutritious & Filling: Butter beans and Swiss chard are packed with protein and nutrients.
Adaptable: Make it gluten-free, vegetarian, or dairy-free with easy swaps.
Simple Yet Elegant: It’s fancy enough for a dinner party but easy enough for weeknights.

Ingredient Notes:

Butter: Adds a rich, creamy base to the stew and helps sauté the onion to develop flavor. Use unsalted to control the salt levels.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation for the dish. Yellow onion is ideal for its balance of flavors, but white onion can be substituted.
Roasted Garlic: Brings a mellow sweetness and deep, caramelized flavor to the broth. Roast a whole bulb and mash the soft cloves or use pre-made roasted garlic paste for easy blending.
White Wine: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the butter and parmesan. A dry wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, works best. Substitute with lemon juice or extra broth if needed.
Canned Butter Beans (not drained): The beans add creaminess and heartiness to the stew, while their starchy liquid naturally thickens the broth.
Chicken Broth: Acts as the savory backbone of the stew, adding depth to the flavors. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Parmesan Rind: Infuses the stew with a nutty, umami flavor as it simmers. Save your parmesan rinds for recipes like this or substitute with extra grated parmesan.
Swiss Chard: Adds an earthy, slightly bitter flavor that balances the richness of the stew. Both the stems and leaves can be used—just chop the stems finely for even cooking.
Ground Nutmeg: A pinch enhances the creamy texture and adds a subtle, warm undertone to the dish. Freshly grated nutmeg works best but pre-ground is fine.

garlic and parmesan butter bean swiss chard stew

Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

Gluten-Free: Ensure the white wine and chicken broth used are certified gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.
Vegetarian: Swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and use a vegetarian Parmesan alternative or omit the Parmesan rind entirely.
Vegan: Replace the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter substitute, use vegetable broth, and skip the Parmesan rind. For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with olive oil or a non-dairy butter alternative, and omit the Parmesan rind or use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth, rinse the butter beans before adding (and mash a few to help thicken the stew), and go light on the added salt.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

Roasting the Garlic: Roasting garlic brings out its sweetness and mellows its sharpness. You can easily roast a whole head of garlic in advance (just wrap it in foil and bake at 400°F for 30-40 minutes). If you prefer a quicker method, sauté the garlic gently in butter for a similar but slightly different flavor profile.
Parmesan Rind: Adding a Parmesan rind is an easy way to infuse your stew with extra savory depth and a nutty, umami flavor . Be sure to remove it before serving—it will soften during cooking, but the rind itself isn’t edible.
Butter Beans: Don’t drain the canned butter beans! The liquid helps thicken the stew as it simmers, creating a creamy texture without added cream. If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a portion of the beans before adding them back in for a heartier consistency.
Adjusting Consistency: If the stew becomes too thick as it sits, simply stir in a little more chicken broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Swiss Chard Substitutes: Swiss chard can be swapped for kale, spinach, or collard greens if you prefer a different leafy green, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
Storing Leftovers: The stew keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to store it in freezer-safe containers and let it cool completely before freezing. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if needed to bring it back to the right consistency.
Making it Ahead: This stew actually tastes better the next day! If you’re planning ahead, feel free to make it a day or two in advance for even richer flavors.

butter bean stew with garlic parmesan and swis chard

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