Lentil & Sweet Potato Stew (Ve)

Enjoy this hearty stew, packed with ingredients which includes a variety of different foods and nutrients known to support menopause.

Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene whilst lentils offer plant-based protein and iron. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and spinach provides magnesium and calcium, essential for mood balance and bone health.

It's a dish worth making!

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
2. Add your spices to your pan—turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika and cinnamon and cook through. 
3. Rinse and cut your sweet potato and then add to the pot along with your rinsed lentils. Stir frequently to coat them in the spices.
4. Pour in the vegetable stock and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for around 30 minutes. Check your lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 2-3 minutes. Add lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Get ready to serve! Serve with wholegrain rice, quinoa or bread. 

This cosy, nutrient-dense stew is perfect for autumn and helps address the key nutritional needs during menopause.

Try these recipes next:

• Sweet potato fritters (Ve)
• Simple, Warming Oats (Ve)
• Crispy kale crisps (Ve)