An Oasis Moment: Brazilian Black Bean Stew (Serves 10)

Posted by Elise Mitchell on January 15, 2015

It’s definitely winter in the high desert! Time to light the internal fires to stay warm and support that sense of comfort from the inside out! It never fails to amaze me how food can so easily and directly affect well-being. Beyond the benefits of tasty, nutritious meals, the very act of creating something that is unique, requiring a skill set (new to many of our clients), and inviting the cooperation from the entire group creates an almost electric environment where individuals can thrive! The hope is that our clients bring the simple pleasures they cultivate, like cooking under the stars with friends and mentors, into their next chapter after Second Nature.

This stew is packed with nutrition and complex flavors that enlivened the mood this week at the Oasis. I hope you enjoy this recipe at home as much as we did out there!

2 tablespoons oil (we use grape seed)
7 ounces chorizo sausage, chopped
9 ounces cooked ham, chopped
2 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3.5 (1 pound) sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 large red bell pepper, diced
4 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
2 small hot green chili pepper, diced
3 cups water or broth
3 (16 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
2-3 mango – peeled, seeded and diced
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon cayenne
Salt & pepper

Ideas: Try this recipe with different protein like chicken, tofu, or marinated portabella mushrooms! Add more nutrient dense ingredients like kale, spinach, or cooked quinoa!

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the chorizo and ham 2 to 3 minutes. Place the onion in the pot and cook until tender.
2. Stir in garlic and cook until tender. Then mix in the sweet potatoes, bell pepper, tomatoes with juice, chili pepper, and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes (until sweet potatoes are tender).
3. Stir the beans into the pot and cook uncovered until heated through. Mix in the mango and cilantro. Season with cumin, salt and pepper to your taste preference. If you want more heat, there is always Siracha! Enjoy!

Elise Mitchell is the Health and Wellness Coordinator for Second Nature Entrada. To learn more about Second Nature for Adults contact one of our admissions counselors.