Cumin-Spiced Sweet Potato Black Bean Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty vegetarian stew with earthy cumin, sweet potatoes, and protein-packed black beans, simmered to perfection in 25 minutes. This mexican-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs sweet potatoes, black beans, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon cumin, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups chicken broth, 2 diced medium sweet potatoes, and 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cumin-Spiced Sweet Potato Black Bean Stew take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cumin-Spiced Sweet Potato Black Bean Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sweet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Spiced Sweet Potato Black Bean Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cumin-Spiced Sweet Potato Black Bean Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cumin-Spiced Sweet Potato Black Bean Stew vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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