Lebanese-inspired Vegan Fasolia, or white bean stew, is a hearty, flavorful, one-pot recipe. Traditionally cooked with meat, this vegan version focuses on white beans and the rich tomato-based sauce, complemented by various Middle Eastern spices and vegan sausage.
This dish is great for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike.
It's ideal for a cozy dinner on a chilly night and takes just 40 minutes to whip up. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you've got a hearty meal you'll want to make again and again.
If you enjoy international flavors, you might love to try Bulgur Pilaf, Lemony Brown Lentil Soup, and Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad.
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Why You'll Love This Stew
- Vegan Fasolia is straightforward to prepare with simple, affordable ingredients - especially if you leave out the sausage, which can be a little expensive.
- Packed with protein-rich beans, this stew is hearty and filling.
- This dish is wonderfully adaptable. You can tweak the spices to suit your palate or add your favorite veggies.
What is Fasolia?
Fasolia (also spelled "fasoulia" or "fassoulia") is the Arabic word for "beans" and often refers to hearty stews or soups made with white beans like cannellini or navy beans. Popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean kitchens, it typically includes tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, served with rice or bread. While some versions include meat, others are vegetarian or vegan.
In this vegan fasolia recipe, I add sausage for flavor and texture, but you can skip it and use mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, or green beans for a wholesome, plant-based twist.
Ingredients
Here is a picture with everything you'll need to make this delicious vegan white bean stew. See the recipe card for details on quantities.
- Meatless alternatives come in various kinds, like soy-based, seitan, or pea protein versions, each offering a unique texture and taste. Pick your favorite or make your favorite from these 15 Delicious Vegan Sausage Recipes.
- Soy-based sausages are juicier and softer, while seitan-based ones provide a chewier, meat-like texture. Pea protein options are a great middle ground, with a balanced texture and often packed with extra nutrients. Flavors range from spicy chorizo to milder Italian-style and everything in between, allowing you to tailor the stew to your taste preference.
- Cannellini Beans: Use 2 cups dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained, or 2 cans (15 oz each) for convenience. Substitute with any white bean.
- Tomatoes: Use 2 large, diced, or 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes - fire-roasted are my favorite for a lot of flavor.
Variations
- Add ½ teaspoon of allspice.
- Add more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, spinach, or kale. The spinach or kale can be added towards the end of the cooking process to retain their texture and nutrients. Carrots and zucchini can be added after sauteing the onions.
How To Make Lebanese-Inspired Vegan Fasolia
Here are the process shots of what you'll be doing. See the recipe card for details and more information on the recipe.
Step 1: Cook the Vegan Sausage - In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and cook the vegan sausage or chorizo until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Onions - In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onions until translucent. Add a pinch of salt to begin layering and bringing out flavor.
Step 3: Garlic and Spices - Add garlic and spices and sauté for about another minute.
Step 4: Add Tomato Paste - Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about two minutes to deepen the flavor.
Step 5: Diced Tomatoes - Add the can of diced tomatoes until the tomatoes start to break down - about 4 or 5 minutes. Add another pinch of salt.
Step 6: Add Beans and Broth - Add the beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer for about 20-30 minutes if using canned beans. If using soaked beans, simmer for an hour to an hour and a half until the beans soften.
Step 7: Add Vegan Sausage and Cilantro - After simmering, return the cooked vegan sausage and add the cilantro or parsley to the pot. Stir well and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 8: Season and Serve - Season the stew with salt and pepper. Add lemon juice before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls. Squeeze more lemon juice over each serving if you want, and garnish with additional cilantro.
Top Tips
- Add a pinch of salt throughout the cooking process. This will significantly enhance and deepen its flavor. It's a technique known as seasoning in layers.
- Make sure to sauté the tomato paste for a few minutes before adding other ingredients to the stew to deepen its flavor. This process, known as caramelizing or browning, reduces the paste's acidity and bitterness while enhancing its sweetness and umami.
- In a dish like Fasolia, the method of preparing garlic - whether crushing in a mortar or mincing - can influence the dish's overall flavor profile. Crushing the garlic produces a robust, pungent flavor that deeply infuses the stew like nothing else. But it's fine to mince the garlic - it yields a finer, more delicate texture and a somewhat milder flavor.
- Fasolia generally has a thicker consistency, making it a stew instead of a soup. However, if you like it a little soupier, add an extra cup of veggie broth to the stew.
- I mentioned earlier in the post that you can make this stew without the vegan sausage. If you do, I highly recommend adding some other vegetables to vary the texture of the stew and decrease the amount of liquid you use.
Serving Suggestions
Fasolia can be served alone or with Arabic Rice with Vermicelli Noodles, white rice, any crusty bread, or with a side of pita bread.
White Bean Stew FAQS
It can be. To create a gluten-free vegan Fasolia with vegan sausage, start by selecting a gluten-free, vegan sausage made from legume-based proteins like pea protein. Ensure all other ingredients, including vegetable broth and spices, are also gluten-free, as they can sometimes contain hidden gluten. Once you've sourced these gluten-free alternatives, simply follow your regular Fasolia recipe.
You can use cannellini beans, butter beans, Great Northern beans, or navy beans. Each type offers a slightly different texture and flavor but works well in this dish. Cooking times for the dried versions may also vary.
If your stew is too thin, you can mash some of the beans to thicken it or let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
Yes, Vegan Fasolia freezes well. Cool the stew completely, then store it in airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
More Mediterranean Vegan Recipes
Got a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Lebanese-Inspired Vegan Fasolia (White Bean Stew). Your feedback is invaluable-did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.
Recipe Card
Lebanese-Inspired Vegan Fasolia (White Bean Stew)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 package vegan sausage or chorizo about 8-12 ounces, sliced or crumbled.
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 14 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 15 ounce cans cannellini beans
- 3 cups vegetable broth if using soaked dried beans, use about 5 cups
- ½ cup cilantro plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- juice of ½ a lemon
Instructions
- Cook the Vegan Sausage: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and cook the vegan sausage or chorizo until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In the same large pot, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and a pinch of salt. Cook until they are soft and golden.
- Garlic and Spices: Add the garlic, paprika, cumin, and cinnamon, and cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are toasted.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste. Cook for a couple of minutes until the tomato paste is caramelized.
- Add a Can of Diced Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes and another pinch of salt. Cook until the tomatoes start to break down - about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Beans and Broth: Add the white beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20-30 minutes.
- Add Vegan Sausage and Cilantro: Stir in the chopped cilantro and sausage. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season: Season the stew with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as necessary.
- Serve: Squeeze half a lemon into the pot of soup. Alternatively, ladle the stew into bowls. Squeeze some lemon juice over each serving and garnish with additional cilantro.
Claire says
Delicious, the steps are easy, will make again
Regi Pearce says
Yay, I’m so glad you loved it! It’s one of those comfort dishes that’s simple but so satisfying. Thanks for trying it—and for planning a round two!
Hailey P says
This recipe has so much flavor. I loved the addition of the vegan sausage. It was spot on.
Regi Pearce says
Hey, Hailey! I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed the rich flavors in the fasolia vegan stew!