This stew is high in fibre, plant protein, antioxidants and slow-release carbohydrates — super nourishing and naturally gluten-free + vegan. The perfect winter warmer stew.

Palm trees against a colorful sunset sky.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small green chilli, finely chopped
  • 1 leek, finely sliced
  • 2 tsp cumin powder
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1-inch knob ginger, finely grated
  • 1 litre water
  • 1 vegetable stock cube
  • 2 large sweet potatoes (or 4 small), diced
  • 1 × 400g tin chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée
  • 1 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
  • 1 × 400g tin black beans or kidney beans, drained & rinsed
  • Handful fresh parsley or coriander, chopped
  • Salt & pepper

    *Let the tsps be generous heaped portions.

Method

  1. Sauté the base:
    Heat a little olive oil in a large pan. Add the onion, garlic, green chilli and leek. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in all the spices and cook for 1 minute, then grate in the ginger.
  2. Add the sweet potato:
    Add the diced sweet potato and fry for 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
  3. Build the stew:
    Pour in
    900ml of the water (reserve a splash). Add the stock cube, chopped tomatoes, tomato purée and peanut butter. Season with salt and pepper.
    Simmer for about
    25 minutes, until the sweet potato is tender. Add a little extra water if it becomes too thick.
  4. Add the beans:
    Stir in the rinsed beans and cook for another
    2 minutes.
  5. Finish & serve:
    Stir through the chopped parsley or coriander. Adjust seasoning.
    Serve with
    rice, pitta bread, or enjoy as it is.

    Serves 6, approx 340 cals per serving.



Laura Bell, founder of Zest Life

Written by

Laura Bell

Founder of Zest Life  ·  Yoga teacher and retreat host since 2011

Laura grew up on her family's farm in the Vale of Clwyd and, after years of travelling, came home to North Wales, where she lives with her family. A yoga teacher, runner and year-round outdoor swimmer, she has spent more than 15 years creating small-group retreats where women can move, rest and spend proper time outdoors, in the UK and further afield.

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