Fall is a season of transition, and from an Ayurvedic perspective, it’s also Vata season. This is a time marked by more air and space, which can leave us feeling scattered, dry, or ungrounded if we don’t care for ourselves with intention.
Ayurveda teaches us that during Vata season, we thrive on warm, cooked, and nourishing meals. These foods help balance the airy, mobile qualities of the season and give us a sense of stability and calm. Stews, in particular, are the perfect antidote: warming, hearty, and grounding, while still filled with vitality and flavor!
That’s why this Black Bean & Coconut-Lime Stew has quickly become one of my favorite recipes to share!
When we’re grounded, we can show up more fully in our lives, living from the heart with compassion, presence, and resilience. Meals like this one are a simple but powerful way to cultivate that groundedness!
Let me introduce some of my favorite ingredients in this dish, which will leave you feeling nourished, energized, and grounded!
Black Beans
Black beans are a beautiful source of plant-based protein, essential for building strength and energy. They’re also rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron, nutrients that support bone health, circulation, and vitality. And with their high fiber content, black beans help stabilize digestion and keep you feeling satisfied and balanced.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that comforts the body and mind. They’re rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that supports skin health and immunity—perfect for fall. They’re also grounding and easy to digest, offering steady energy without the crash.
Warming Spices
In Ayurveda, spices aren’t just for flavor, they’re medicine! Coriander and cumin are gentle digestive allies, while ginger stimulates circulation and awakens the digestive fire. Together, they make this stew deeply nourishing and balancing for the season.
Coconut Milk
Full-fat coconut milk adds a rich creaminess that makes this stew feel indulgent while providing healthy fats that nourish the brain and nervous system. It creates a sense of grounding and comfort, turning the meal into a hug in a bowl.
Black Bean & Coconut-Lime Stew
Ingredients
- 1 Tbs coconut oil
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ red onion diced
- 1 Tbs ginger peeled and minced
- ½ yellow bell pepper diced
- 3 cups cooked black beans
- 1½ cups sweet potatoes cubed and peeled
- 2 cups spinach
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 Tbs fresh lime juice
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cooked jasmine or brown rice
- ½ bunch cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the coriander and cumin and fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the onion, ginger, bell pepper, and cook until the veggies soften.
- Add the black beans, sweet potato, and broth.
- Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, with the lid ajar, for about 35 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
- Add in the coconut milk and cook for about 15 more minutes, until the stew has thickened.
- Stir in the lime juice, and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve fresh over white or brown rice and top with cilantro.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was on Instagram!
0 Comments