Ingredients:

  • 1 large Yellow Onion, diced
  • 4 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil or Rapeseed Oil
  • 1 Tbsp ground Cumin
  • 1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 tsp fine sea Salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground Black Pepper
  • 2 medium Sweet Potatoes (yams), peeled and diced (about 600 g)
  • 2 (15 oz) cans Black Beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
  • 3 cups low sodium Vegetable Broth
  • 1 Tbsp Chipotle in Adobo Sauce, pureed or minced
  • 2 Tbsp fresh Lime Juice
  • 1/2 cup chopped Fresh Coriander (Cilantro), for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Vegetables: Dice the onion and sweet potatoes (into 1-inch cubes), and mince the garlic. Rinse and drain the black beans thoroughly.
  2. Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): Heat the oil in a separate frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Bloom Spices: Add the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook for 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This releases the maximum flavor from your spices.
  4. Load the Crockpot: Transfer the sautéed mixture (if used) into the slow cooker basin. If skipping the sauté, simply add the raw oil, onions, and spices now.
  5. Add Bulk Ingredients: Add the diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes (including their juices), vegetable broth, and chipotle paste/puree. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Set the Temperature: Secure the lid. Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or on HIGH for 3.5–4 hours. The stew is done when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the mixture is thick and bubbly.
  7. The Chef's Consistency Check: About 30 minutes before serving, gently mash about 1/4 of the sweet potatoes and beans against the side of the pot using the back of a spoon. This naturally thickens the stew.
  8. Finish and Brighten: Turn the slow cooker off or to the 'Keep Warm' setting. Stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh coriander (cilantro).