Cozy Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew Recipe for Chilly Nights

Crafting a hearty spiced sweet potato and black bean stew promises comfort on chilly evenings.

Aromas of cumin and chili will dance through your kitchen, inviting warmth and satisfaction.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a nutritious meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Nutritionists praise this combination for delivering balanced protein and vibrant flavors.

Complex spices awaken each bite with depth and character.

Mediterranean influences shine through with subtle herb notes and rich textures.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Ingredients for Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew

• Sweet Potatoes: A hearty and nutritious root vegetable that adds natural sweetness and creamy texture to the stew.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed legumes that provide a rich, earthy flavor and substantial texture to the dish.
• Vegetable Broth: A flavorful liquid base that helps create a delicious and cohesive stew.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that builds depth and complexity in the stew.
• Bell Pepper: Adds a mild sweetness and crisp texture to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Contribute a tangy brightness and additional liquid to the stew.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne: A blend of warm spices that create a rich, complex flavor profile with a subtle heat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the stew.
• Tomato Paste: Provides a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the stew.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle richness to the base.
• Fresh Cilantro: A bright, fresh herb used as a garnish to add a pop of color and herbaceous flavor.

How to Make Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Let the oil shimmer and spread across the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them gently, stirring occasionally until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors.

Step 3: Introduce Colorful Vegetables

Add sweet potatoes and bell peppers to the pot. Let them dance and sizzle, cooking for several minutes until they start to soften and develop slight caramelization.

Step 4: Unleash the Spice Symphony

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper

Stir the spices quickly to toast them, allowing their essential oils to bloom and intensify.

Step 5: Build the Stew’s Foundation

• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Vegetable broth
• Tomato paste

Mix everything thoroughly, creating a rich and complex base.

Step 6: Simmer and Transform

Bring the stew to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer peacefully, allowing flavors to meld and sweet potatoes to become tender.

Step 7: Final Touches

Season with salt and black pepper to your preference. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of brightness.

Serve piping hot and enjoy your hearty meal.

Tips for Flavorful and Hearty Stew

• Swap cayenne with mild chili flakes for a gentler heat level perfect for kids or those with sensitive palates.
• Boost protein by adding quinoa or cooked shredded chicken during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
• Enhance meal prep by making this stew ahead and storing in refrigerator for up to 4 days, which allows flavors to develop more deeply.
• Create a creamy texture by mashing some sweet potato chunks against pot sides, which naturally thickens the stew without extra ingredients.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium vegetable broth and controlling salt amount during seasoning stage.

Variations to Try with Sweet Potato Stew

• Protein Power Boost: Replace black beans with shredded chicken or ground turkey for a meat-based version.
• Vegan Protein Swap: Substitute black beans with chickpeas or lentils for added plant-based protein and texture.
• Spice-Free Family Friendly: Reduce or eliminate cayenne and chili powder for a milder version suitable for children and those with sensitive palates.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini chunks to create a lower-carbohydrate stew option for ketogenic or diabetic diets.

What Goes Well with Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew

• Complement Spicy Warmth with Cool Freshness: Pair the stew with a crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to balance the dish's rich, spicy flavors and cleanse the palate.
• Create Creamy Contrast: Top the stew with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to add a cool, tangy element that softens the heat and provides a smooth texture contrast.
• Boost Crunch and Freshness: Serve alongside a bright, zesty lime and cabbage slaw to introduce a crunchy, acidic component that cuts through the stew's hearty richness.
• Enhance Herbal Notes: Offer warm, freshly baked cornbread with a sprinkle of chopped green onions to complement the stew's southwestern-inspired spices and provide a satisfying, slightly sweet accompaniment.

How to Store Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the stew completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for 2-3 months, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of vegetable broth if the stew seems dry.

Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Why use sweet potatoes in this stew?

Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, creamy texture, and tons of nutrients like vitamin A, fiber, and potassium, making the stew more nutritious and flavorful.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild to moderate heat depending on how much cayenne you add. You can control the spice level by adjusting or eliminating the cayenne pepper.

• Can I make this stew vegetarian or vegan?

This recipe is already vegetarian and vegan-friendly. It uses plant-based ingredients like black beans, vegetables, and vegetable broth, making it perfect for those dietary preferences.

Why Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew Warms You Up

• Spice Up Your Comfort: Dive into a flavor explosion with this stew that combines warming spices and hearty ingredients for a soul-satisfying meal that tingles your taste buds.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein-rich black beans and vitamin-loaded sweet potatoes, this one-pot wonder delivers a balanced, nutrient-dense dinner that keeps you full and energized.
• Quick and Simple Cooking: Prepare this delicious stew in under 40 minutes with minimal chopping and just one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking.
• Veggie Lover's Dream: Celebrate plant-based eating with a vegetarian recipe that doesn't compromise on taste, offering a vibrant and filling meal that even meat-eaters will adore.

Spiced Sweet Potato And Black Bean Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew brings Mexican-inspired comfort directly to dinner tables with robust flavors and nourishing ingredients. Bold spices and creamy sweet potatoes create a satisfying meal packed with protein and warmth you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Protein and Beans:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 cups canned diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, gently sautéing onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce sweet potatoes and bell peppers to the pot, allowing them to soften and develop slight caramelization for 5 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in a vibrant blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne, stirring to awaken the spices’ aromatic qualities for about 1 minute.
4. Pour in black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and tomato paste, thoroughly mixing to create a harmonious base.
5. Elevate the temperature until the mixture reaches a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, allowing the stew to gently simmer for 20-25 minutes until sweet potatoes reach a tender consistency.
6. Calibrate the flavor profile with salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
7. Garnish with fresh, chopped cilantro and serve piping hot, creating a comforting and nutritious meal.

Notes

• Swap cayenne for milder red pepper flakes if you prefer less heat and want a kid-friendly version.
• Add quinoa or brown rice during the last 15 minutes of cooking to make the stew more filling and protein-packed.
• Roast sweet potatoes beforehand for deeper caramelized flavor and slightly firmer texture.
• Use canned beans with low sodium to control salt content and create a healthier meal option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg