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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Sweet Potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season and Finish: Season the stew with salt, black pepper, and lime juice to taste. Stir well.
- 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.
