Hearty Spiced Sweet Potato And Black Bean Stew Recipe

Chilly evenings call for comfort in a bowl, where spiced sweet potato and black bean stew bursts with hearty warmth and vibrant flavors.

Earthy sweet potatoes mingle with robust black beans, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Aromatic spices dance through each spoonful, promising a satisfying meal that nourishes body and soul.

Packed with protein and nutrients, this stew delivers more than just a simple dinner.

Rich, complex layers of seasoning transform humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

The deep, rustic colors hint at the deliciousness waiting to be savored.

Prepare to experience a one-pot wonder that will become your new cold-weather companion.

Why Sweet Potato Black Bean Stew Warms You Up

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Ingredients for Spiced Sweet Potato Stew

• Sweet Potato: A hearty and nutritious root vegetable that provides a creamy texture and natural sweetness to the stew.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a deep flavor foundation for the dish.
• Bell Pepper: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the stew.

• Black Beans: A protein-rich legume that adds substance and a creamy texture to the stew.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: A bold spice blend that creates a warm, complex flavor profile with a slight kick of heat.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Vegetable Broth: Provide a rich, tangy base that helps build the stew's depth of flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté vegetables and develop initial flavors.

• Fresh Cilantro: A bright, herbal topping that adds freshness and color to the finished dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance and balance the overall taste of the stew.

Steps for Cooking Black Bean Sweet Potato Stew

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking pot over medium heat. Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot, sautéing them until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful fragrance.

Step 2: Build Vegetable Foundation

• Diced sweet potatoes
• Chopped bell peppers

Cook the vegetables for approximately 5 minutes, allowing them to start softening and developing rich flavors.

Step 3: Activate Spice Blend

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

Stir the spices quickly and cook for about 1 minute to awaken their intense aromatics and deepen the flavor profile.

Step 4: Create Stew Liquid

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

Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the stew to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.

Allow the stew to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until sweet potatoes reach a tender consistency.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to enhance the overall taste.

Adjust seasoning according to personal preference.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top the stew with fresh chopped cilantro.

Serve piping hot and enjoy the robust, comforting flavors.

Notes for Hearty Stew and Soup Fans

• Choose fresh, high-quality spices to ensure robust flavor and depth in your stew, which dramatically enhances the overall taste profile.
• Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Simmer gently to prevent burning and allow flavors to meld together, creating a rich and harmonious stew.
• Increase black beans or add quinoa for extra protein, making the stew more nutritionally balanced and satisfying.
• Experiment with additional garnishes like diced avocado, Greek yogurt, or crumbled queso fresco to add creamy contrast and interesting texture.

Creative Stew Twists for Flavorful Dinners

• Protein Power Boost: Replace black beans with shredded chicken or diced tofu for added protein and different texture.
• Vegan Veggie Delight: Swap vegetable broth with coconut milk and add extra vegetables like spinach or kale for a nutrient-rich version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free vegetable broth to make the stew safe for celiac diets.
• Spice Level Customizer: Adjust cayenne and chili powder quantities to create mild, medium, or extra-hot versions based on personal heat preferences.

Pairings That Go With This Cozy Stew

• Pair Vibrant Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Spanish Tempranillo with spicy undertones that complement the stew's robust flavors and earthy black beans.
• Enhance with Zesty Citrus Margarita: Mix tequila, fresh lime juice, and a touch of agave nectar to cut through the stew's richness and match its Mexican-inspired spice profile.
• Balance with Cool Avocado Cream: Blend ripe avocados, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to create a smooth, cooling topping that offsets the stew's warmth and adds creamy texture.
• Serve with Crispy Cornbread: Prepare a quick jalapeño cornbread to provide a crunchy, slightly spicy side that absorbs the stew's delicious broth and adds textural contrast.

Storing Sweet Potato Stew for Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer stew to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour stew into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of vegetable broth if needed to prevent sticking. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Why use black beans in this stew?

Black beans provide plant-based protein, fiber, and a creamy texture that complements the sweet potatoes, making the stew more filling and nutritious.

• Can I make this stew spicier?

Yes, adjust the heat by increasing cayenne pepper or adding hot sauce. You can also include diced jalapeños for extra spiciness.

• Is this recipe vegetarian and vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! The stew is 100% plant-based, using vegetables, beans, and vegetable broth, making it suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.

• How can I enhance the flavor of the stew?

Toast the spices before adding other ingredients to deepen their flavor. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice at the end for brightness and acidity.

Spiced Sweet Potato And Black Bean Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty spiced sweet potato and black bean stew delivers a comforting Mexican-inspired culinary journey with robust flavors and nourishing ingredients. Rich with warm spices and wholesome vegetables, you’ll savor each spoonful of this satisfying one-pot meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1 1/2 cups canned diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 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)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. In a spacious cooking vessel, warm olive oil over moderate temperature, gently sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce diced sweet potatoes and bell peppers into the pot, allowing them to soften and develop subtle caramelization for about 5 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in aromatic spices – chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne – toasting them briefly to release their intense flavors and enhance the stew’s depth.
4. Pour in black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and tomato paste, stirring thoroughly to create a harmonious blend of ingredients.
5. Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer, covering and allowing the stew to quietly bubble for 20-25 minutes until sweet potatoes reach a tender, yielding consistency.
6. Calibrate the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Finish the dish by scattering fresh cilantro leaves across the surface, serving the stew piping hot for maximum flavor and comfort.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper for spice-sensitive eaters or those wanting extra kick.
• Boost protein content by adding quinoa or diced tofu during last 10 minutes of cooking for a more substantial meal.
• Make recipe gluten-free by ensuring vegetable broth is certified gluten-free and using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce if needed.
• Prep ingredients in advance to reduce cooking time and create a quick weeknight dinner option that can be stored in refrigerator for 3-4 days.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg