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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Introduce sweet potatoes and bell peppers to the pot, allowing them to soften and develop slight caramelization for 5 minutes.
- 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.
- Pour in black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and tomato paste, thoroughly mixing to create a harmonious base.
- 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.
- Calibrate the flavor profile with salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
- 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