Vegan Black Bean Stew

4.97 from 77 votes

This easy vegan black bean stew is the perfect fall and winter comfort food dish. Simple, filling, and full of plant based nutrients!

Prep Time5

Cook Time40

Total Time45

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 416kcal

Author: Andrew Bernard

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced (any color works)
½ teaspoon sea salt
2 cloves garlic
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 15.5oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed (880g)
3 cups sweet potatoes, cubed (400g)
1 ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
1 ½ teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 13.5oz can full fat coconut milk (400mL)
½ cup vegetable stock (110mL)
2 tablespoon sriracha, more or less to taste

Side Options

cooked brown rice or quinoa
mashed potatoes
baguette

Instructions

In a large skillet or pot with high walls over medium heat, add oil to heat up. Add onions and stir with a wooden spoon. Then sprinkle salt over onions and stir every few minutes. Allow onions to cook until translucent, browning and lightly caramelized. About 6 - 8 mins.  Then stir in garlic and thyme and cook for and additional minute.
Next add in black beans, sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder and onion powder. Stir together well, then add coconut milk, stock and sriracha (if adding). Scrape any browning and seasoning at the bottom to incorporate the flavors into the dish.
Without adjusting the heat, let mixture come to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook until sweet potatoes are fork tender, stirring periodically (about 30 - 35 minutes). 
Serve warm with fresh herbs sprinkled over with rice, mashed potatoes, etc. on the side. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Slow Cooker/Crockpot: If you'd like to make this in a crockpot, we'd recommend adding all the ingredients to a slow cooked and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. You want the dish to be fragrant and your sweet potatoes to be fork tender.

Swapping Coconut Milk: If you want to swap coconut milk, use a thicker non-dairy milk like soy or extra creamy oat. If you do this, once the potatoes are fork tender, remove 2 tablespoons of liquid and whisk together with 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Add back into dish and let thicken.

Dried Beans vs Canned - you can use canned black beans for the faster method or if you want to use dried beans, you will need to cook them first prior to starting the recipe

Nutrition