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Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 28 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southwestern
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This hearty and flavorful Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew is a perfect vegan and gluten-free main course packed with nutritious ingredients. Combining sweet potatoes, black beans, and vibrant spices, this comforting stew is easy to prepare on the stovetop and makes a satisfying meal especially suited for chilly days or meal prepping.


Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice

Legumes

  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of ½ lime

Liquids

  • 2½ cups vegetable broth

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh cilantro


Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook the mixture for 1 minute until fragrant to develop the spices’ flavors.
  3. Add Sweet Potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
  4. Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice and the vegetable broth. Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and soft.
  6. Add Black Beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the beans to warm through and the flavors to meld together.
  7. Season and Finish: Season the stew with salt, black pepper, and lime juice to taste. Stir well.
  8. Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

  • This stew is excellent for meal prep and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
  • Serve with rice, quinoa, or warm tortillas for a more filling meal.
  • Optional additions include corn or chopped spinach for extra color and nutrition.