Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Sweet Potato and Kidney Bean Stew?
This is a hearty, nutritious stew made with sweet potatoes, kidney beans, leeks, and tomatoes, enriched with dry white wine and savory herbs.
Is this stew recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly provided you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is a vegetarian dish packed with plant-based protein from kidney beans.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is portioned to serve five people.
What are the primary health benefits of this stew?
The stew is high in fiber and protein thanks to the kidney beans and sweet potatoes, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
How do I prepare the leeks for this recipe?
The leeks should be thinly sliced before being sautéed in olive oil.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of minced garlic.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the stew?
The all-purpose flour is used to create a roux with the oil and vegetables, which helps thicken the stew.
What type of wine should I use?
A dry white wine is recommended to enhance the depth of flavor in the stew.
How should the sweet potatoes be prepared?
The sweet potatoes should be peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch chunks.
Do I use the juice from the canned tomatoes?
Yes, you should add the canned tomatoes along with their juice into the pot.
What kind of broth is best for this recipe?
You can use either chicken or vegetable broth depending on your dietary preferences.
Which herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 2 bay leaves.
How long do the sweet potatoes need to simmer?
Simmer the sweet potatoes for about 20 minutes or until they are tender.
When should the bay leaves be removed?
Remove and discard the bay leaves after the initial 20-minute simmer, before adding the kidney beans.
When do I add the kidney beans to the pot?
The cooked kidney beans are added during the final 10 minutes of simmering to heat them through.
Is this a one-pot recipe?
Yes, it is a convenient one-pot meal that simplifies both cooking and cleanup.
What should I serve with this stew?
It is recommended to serve this stew with crusty bread or over a bed of quinoa.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
How much kidney beans are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of cooked kidney beans.
What is the first step in making this stew?
The first step is heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
How long do I cook the leeks?
Cook the thinly sliced leek covered for about 5 minutes or until softened.
Can I use fresh black pepper?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
What should I do after adding the wine?
Bring the wine to a boil and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance the flavor.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a comfort food favorite.
What size can of tomatoes is used?
The recipe requires one 28-ounce can of tomatoes.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary before serving.
How much broth do I need?
You will need 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth.
What temperature should the stove be set to initially?
The stove should be set to medium heat to start the cooking process.
Can I use dry kidney beans?
The recipe specifies cooked kidney beans, so if you use dry beans, they must be soaked and cooked before adding them to the stew.