Sweet Potato and Black Medley
Autumn is a season of change – the temperature shifts, the leaves change color, and we start craving warmer foods. When the temperature starts to drop, we seek warmth, protection, and comfort from our food: soups, teas, cooked veggies, and stews. What’s interesting is that we naturally gravitate to these seasonal foods because our bodies know what they need. The benefits of these foods are very relevant since they prevent deficiencies in our tissues and thicken our skin.
In ayurveda, nourishing foods are called ojas – foods that build vitality. Some of the ojas that build our vitality and keep us cozy during the colder months are carrots, beets, squashes, ghee (clarified butter), and nuts. This recipe calls for sweet potatoes, which are lighter and easier on your digestion than white potatoes. This high-fiber dish will satisfy your palate, nurture your body, and look gorgeous.
Recipe
½ cup walnuts
2 cups black beans
1 1-inch ginger root
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp coconut oil
1 cup sweet potato – 1-2 potatoes
¼ tsp salt
¼ lbs kale – 3-4 stalks
Instructions
Grate the sweet potatoes (peeled or unpeeled) and the ginger root, and chop the kale
In a medium-size skillet on medium heat, toast the walnuts until they begin to brown, stirring frequently
Remove from skillet, chop with knife, and set aside
Heat medium-size pot on medium heat and add the coconut oil
Place the kale, grated ginger, grated sweet potatoes, and can of black beans (include the black beans) into the pot
Add the apple cider vinegar, sugar, and bring to a boil
Cover the pot and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender
Serve garnished with roasted walnuts
Genia’s Spoon Me Tips
Another way to keep your body insulated through the colder months is an oil message. A daily oil massage in the morning coats the skin and prevents heat loss. You can massage your entire body head to toe on a towel and relax for a few minutes, sitting or lying down – this is your time to zen. You’ll love how soft your skin feels and how warm you’ll stay throughout the day. For information on warming oils to use, see www.banyanbotanicals.com.
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. The pancreas produces more enzymes than any other digestive organ. Walnuts, sweet potatoes, lentils, and beans are some of the best superfoods to maintain a healthy pancreas – so this recipe is a winner! Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A which is a powerful nutrient. They also release sugars slowly so your digestive system doesn’t get stressed out. I’m proud and grateful to be a contributing blogger for the National Cancer Center to help raise awareness.
Much love,
Genia