Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew

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### **How to Make Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew**

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**
1. Begin by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes into small, even cubes. Set aside.
2. Chop the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.

#### **Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.

#### **Step 3: Add the Spices**
1. Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and bring out their full flavor.

#### **Step 4: Cook the Sweet Potatoes**
1. Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and spices. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to absorb the flavors.

#### **Step 5: Add the Broth and Tomatoes**
1. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir well to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

#### **Step 6: Add the Black Beans**
1. Stir in the black beans and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the beans are heated through.

#### **Step 7: Adjust Seasonings**
1. Taste the stew and add salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes.

#### **Step 8: Serve**
1. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

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### **Tips for Success**

– **Make It Spicy:** If you like a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you sauté the aromatics.
– **Customize with Veggies:** Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach to make this stew even more nutritious.
– **Top It Off:** A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream makes for a creamy topping, but it’s entirely optional for a vegan version.
– **Make It a Soup:** If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply add more broth to reach your desired texture.

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### **Serving Suggestions**

1. **With Warm Bread:** Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for dipping into the savory stew.
2. **Over Rice:** If you want to make this stew even more filling, serve it over a bed of brown rice or quinoa.
3. **With Avocado:** Sliced avocado on top can add a creamy texture and balance the spices.

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### **Why This Stew is So Special**

The combination of **sweet potatoes and black beans** creates a hearty base that’s both satisfying and full of fiber. The spices give it a comforting warmth without overwhelming the natural flavors of the vegetables. Each bite is an explosion of flavor, with the subtle sweetness of the potatoes and the earthiness of the beans complementing each other perfectly.

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### **Final Thoughts**

This **Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew** is the perfect dish for those looking to nourish their body and soul. It’s full of flavor, quick to prepare, and can be made ahead for a delicious weeknight meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this stew is sure to please everyone at the table.

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So, next time you’re craving something hearty and wholesome, give this recipe a try. It’s bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation! 🍲💚