Mediterranean Chicken Stew with Sweet Potatoes, Beans and Green Olives
Try this Mediterranean Chicken Stew with Sweet Potatoes, Beans and Olives recipe.
Try this Mediterranean Chicken Stew with Sweet Potatoes, Beans and Olives recipe.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 yellow onion (- chopped)
- 2-3 cloves garlic (- chopped)
- 1 bulb fennel (- cut into cubes)
- 1 big sweet potato (- (or 2-3 small ones) cut into cube
- 2 cups cooked chicken*1 (see note 1 below) (- cubed or s
- 1 can beans (cannellini or red kidney)
- 1/4 cup green olives
- 4-6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil (- plus more for drizzling)
- 1/2 teaspoon spanish smoked paprika*2 (see note 2 below)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamon
- salt (- to taste)
- fresh ground black pepper (- to taste)
- 1/2 lemon (- juiced)
- 1 tbsp italian parsley (- chopped)
- Carbohydrate 1.42821458390464 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.655990001708153 g
- Fiber 0.596391660892221 g
- Protein 0.222924583368868 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0888006252254438 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (9g)
- Sodium 51.7617501380915 mg
- Sugar 0.831822923012416 g
- Trans Fat 0.0460487084050389 g
- Calories 11 calories
Step-by-step
- In a Dutch oven or other heavy pot heat up 2 tablespoon of olive oil, add onions and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add chopped garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add fennel, sweet potatoes and cook all for about 5 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and all spices to the pot, stir and let it all mix well.
- Pour the chicken stock into the pot, cover and cook for about 20 minutes until all the veggies are cooked.
- Add cooked chicken, beans and olives and cook for another 5 minutes until all is heated up.
- Add lemon juice and parsley.
- Serve with a crusty bread and drizzle of olive oil on top of the stew.
A Busy Mom's Mediterranean Delight: Quick & Easy Chicken Stew
Let me tell you, life as a working mom is a whirlwind! Between school drop-offs, work deadlines, and after-school activities, finding time for anything beyond the bare minimum is a challenge. Dinner, sadly, often ends up being a last-minute scramble. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for quick, healthy, and delicious recipes that won’t leave me stranded in the kitchen for hours. This Mediterranean Chicken Stew fits the bill perfectly. It’s packed with flavor, hearty enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters (mine included!), and surprisingly easy to put together even on my busiest of days.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. I often adapt it depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes I throw in some zucchini or spinach for extra veggies. Other times, I use different beans – chickpeas or white beans work great too. The core ingredients – sweet potatoes, chicken, and those wonderful green olives – provide a robust base that’s always a winner. The spices add a warm, comforting touch that transports you, even if just for a moment, to a sun-drenched Mediterranean coast. It’s a small escape, a little slice of calm in the midst of the chaos.
Why this stew is my go-to weeknight meal:
- Speed: Most of the prep work takes less than 15 minutes. The rest of the cooking time is hands-off, allowing me to attend to other tasks while the stew simmers away happily.
- Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, chicken, olives, and aromatic spices creates a truly satisfying and flavorful dish. It's a symphony of tastes that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Health: It’s packed with healthy ingredients – lean protein from the chicken, fiber-rich beans and sweet potatoes, and plenty of vitamins and minerals. It’s a guilt-free meal that I can feel good about serving my family.
- Versatility: Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking. Add extra vegetables, change the type of beans, or experiment with different spices. The possibilities are endless!
- Leftovers! This stew is even better the next day! It’s perfect for packed lunches or a quick and easy dinner the following night. Making a large batch is my favorite strategy for a busy workweek.
Beyond the practical aspects, there's something deeply satisfying about making a home-cooked meal. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of convenience foods. But this stew reminds me that even amidst the busyness, I can create a delicious and nourishing meal for my family. It’s a small act of love, a way to show my loved ones that I care, even if time feels perpetually short. And truthfully, the aroma alone filling my kitchen is enough to make the whole process worthwhile. It’s a small moment of happiness in an otherwise hectic day, a testament to the power of simple pleasures and good food.
So, if you’re a busy mom (or anyone short on time!), give this Mediterranean Chicken Stew a try. You might just discover your new favorite weeknight meal. It's my secret weapon for effortlessly delicious and healthy dinners. And trust me, even your family will thank you for it.
