Bean stew is a hearty dish made from a variety of beans, vegetables, and spices. It is often served as a main course or side dish. The two crossword solutions for the term bean stew are LIMA and fava. LIMA beans are a type of legume native to Central and South America. They are large, flat, and have a mild flavor. Fava beans are also a type of legume, but they are smaller and have a nutty flavor. Both of these beans are commonly used in bean stews.