Shrimp & White Bean Stew with Fennel & Orange Zest

Shrimp & White Bean Stew with Fennel & Orange Zest

Mia

This elegant Mediterranean stew brings together the sweet brininess of plump shrimp with the creamy comfort of white beans in a fragrant broth perfumed with fennel and bright orange zest. Inspired by the coastal cuisines of Southern France and Italy, this dish exemplifies the Mediterranean Diet's emphasis on seafood, legumes, and aromatic vegetables, all tied together with quality olive oil and fresh citrus.

The fennel bulb, sliced thin and gently sautéed, provides a subtle anise flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the shrimp, while the orange zest adds a sunny brightness that cuts through the richness of the beans. A splash of white wine and a touch of tomato create a light yet flavorful broth that's perfect for soaking up with crusty whole-grain bread.

What makes this stew truly special is its balance of heartiness and lightness. The white beans provide plant-based protein and fiber that make the dish surprisingly filling, while the quick-cooking shrimp keep it feeling fresh and elegant rather than heavy. It's a one-pot wonder that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special enough for guests.

Serve this stew in wide, shallow bowls with an extra drizzle of your best olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and plenty of crusty bread for dipping. It's the kind of meal that transports you to a sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline with every spoonful.

Nutrition

35 minutes
None servings
385 calories
Fat 12.00g
Carbs 38.00g
Protein 32.00g

Ingredients

3 tbspextra virgin olive oil, divided
1 largefennel bulb, thinly sliced, fronds reserved for garnish
1 mediumyellow onion, diced
4 clovesgarlic cloves, minced
1/2 cupdry white wine
1 14.5 oz candiced tomatoes, with juices
2 cupslow-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 15 oz canscannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 largeorange, zested and juiced
1 lblarge shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 tspred pepper flakes
1 tspkosher salt, or to taste
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1/4 cupfresh parsley, chopped
crusty whole-grain bread, for serving (optional)

Equipment

Wooden spoon
Cutting board
paper towels
ladle
chef's knife
can opener
zester or microplane
measuring cups and spoons
colander
large Dutch oven or deep skillet with lid

16:8 Diet

This nutrient-dense stew is ideal for the 16:8 eating window, providing substantial protein from shrimp, fiber and complex carbohydrates from beans, and healthy fats from olive oil. The balanced macronutrients and high satiety factor help practitioners feel satisfied and meet nutritional needs within the compressed eating timeframe.

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 approach with over 80% of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods including shrimp, beans, fresh vegetables, and olive oil, while allowing for the small indulgence of crusty bread. The emphasis on anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich ingredients aligns with the principle of primarily wholesome eating with flexibility.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This recipe is rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients including omega-3-rich shrimp, extra virgin olive oil, colorful vegetables (fennel, tomatoes), legumes, and anti-inflammatory spices (garlic, orange zest). It avoids refined sugars, processed foods, and trans fats while emphasizing whole foods that support reduced inflammation and overall health.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with whole, minimally processed ingredients including fresh shrimp, canned beans (rinsed), fresh vegetables, and simple seasonings. It avoids artificial additives, preservatives, refined sugars, and processed foods, using only recognizable whole-food ingredients prepared with basic cooking methods.

DASH Diet

This recipe aligns with DASH Diet principles by using low-sodium broth, emphasizing vegetables (fennel, onion), lean protein (shrimp), and legumes (cannellini beans) while avoiding processed meats and high-sodium ingredients. The dish is rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber from the beans and vegetables, with herbs and citrus providing flavor instead of excessive salt.

Diabetic Diet

This stew is diabetic-friendly with low glycemic index ingredients including protein-rich shrimp, high-fiber cannellini beans, and non-starchy vegetables that support stable blood sugar levels. The fiber from beans slows carbohydrate absorption, while the balanced combination of protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats helps prevent blood sugar spikes.

Flexitarian Diet

This stew is perfect for flexitarian eating, featuring plant-based proteins and fiber from cannellini beans as the foundation, with shrimp used as a complementary protein rather than the main focus. The emphasis on vegetables, legumes, whole grains (bread), and olive oil aligns with the flexitarian approach of primarily plant-based eating with occasional seafood.

Gluten-Free Diet

This stew is naturally gluten-free, using whole food ingredients like shrimp, beans, vegetables, and broth without any wheat, barley, or rye. Simply substitute the crusty whole-grain bread with certified gluten-free bread to make the entire meal completely gluten-free compliant.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe is excellent for heart health, featuring lean protein from shrimp, fiber-rich legumes, extra virgin olive oil (rich in monounsaturated fats), and vegetables while avoiding saturated fats, trans fats, and processed ingredients. The omega-3s from shrimp, soluble fiber from beans, and antioxidants from vegetables and citrus all support cardiovascular health.

High-Fiber Diet

This recipe is exceptionally high in fiber, with cannellini beans providing approximately 12-15g of fiber per cup, plus additional fiber from fennel, onion, and tomatoes. The combination of legumes and vegetables easily delivers 8-10g of fiber per serving, supporting digestive health and satiety.

High-Protein Diet

This stew delivers excellent protein content from both shrimp (approximately 23g per pound) and cannellini beans (approximately 15g per cup), easily providing 25-30g of protein per serving. The combination of complete animal protein and plant-based protein makes this a satisfying, protein-rich meal that supports muscle maintenance and satiety.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense stew is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing high-quality protein from shrimp, fiber and plant-based protein from white beans, and healthy fats from olive oil. The combination of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates supports stable blood sugar levels and provides sustained energy throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This stew is perfect for intuitive eating, offering a satisfying and nourishing meal that honors both taste and nutrition without restriction or guilt. The recipe provides a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats that naturally satisfies hunger while featuring diverse flavors and textures that make eating pleasurable and enjoyable.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This recipe aligns with Mayo Clinic Diet principles by emphasizing vegetables (fennel, onion, tomatoes), lean protein (shrimp), legumes (white beans), and whole grains (whole-grain bread) with healthy fats from olive oil. It avoids processed foods and refined ingredients while providing a nutrient-dense, balanced meal that supports sustainable weight management.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe is a quintessential Mediterranean dish, featuring extra virgin olive oil, seafood (shrimp), legumes (cannellini beans), fresh vegetables (fennel, onion), and citrus (orange zest). It emphasizes whole grains through the crusty whole-grain bread accompaniment and uses herbs for flavoring, perfectly embodying the Mediterranean Diet's core principles of fish, beans, vegetables, and healthy fats.

MIND Diet

This recipe supports brain health through MIND Diet principles by featuring seafood (shrimp), beans (cannellini), vegetables (fennel, onion), whole grains (bread), and olive oil as the primary fat. It avoids butter, cheese, and fried foods while emphasizing nutrient-dense ingredients that support cognitive function.

Mindful Eating

This recipe supports mindful eating through its diverse textures (tender shrimp, creamy beans, crisp fennel), vibrant colors (orange zest, green parsley, red tomatoes), and aromatic ingredients (fennel, garlic, citrus) that engage multiple senses. The whole, minimally processed ingredients and one-pot preparation encourage slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation.

Weight Watchers

This recipe follows Weight Watchers principles with lean protein from shrimp, fiber-rich legumes (white beans), abundant non-starchy vegetables (fennel, onion), and minimal added fats. The nutrient-dense ingredients and high fiber content make it satisfying and filling while supporting weight management goals.

Instructions

1

Prepare all ingredients: slice the fennel bulb thinly (reserve fronds for garnish), dice the onion, mince the garlic, drain and rinse the beans, and zest and juice the orange. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.

15 min
2
2 min

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.

3
8 min

Add the sliced fennel and diced onion to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to caramelize, about 8 minutes.

4
1 min

Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.

5
3 min

Pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half.

6

Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, broth, drained beans, orange zest, and half of the orange juice. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

2 min
7
5 min

Let the stew simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.

8
4 min

Nestle the seasoned shrimp into the stew, submerging them partially in the liquid. Cover the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

9

Remove from heat and stir in the remaining orange juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

1 min
10

Ladle the stew into wide, shallow bowls. Drizzle each serving with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garnish with reserved fennel fronds, and serve immediately with crusty bread if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions