Eating beans is never a bad idea! Beans, particularly legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and black beans, provide several benefits for hormone balance:
1. High in Fiber, which promotes regular bowel movements, aiding in the elimination of excess hormones (particularly estrogen) from the body
2. Low Glycemic Index which means they cause a gradual and steady rise in blood sugar levels
3. They're a source of plant-based protein
4. Contain phytoestrogens that bind to oestrogen receptors
5. Nutrient-rich and contain folate, thiamine, niacin and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc
This chilli recipe is super easy and great to keep in the freezer for a lazy dinner or add to some toast for breakfast!
****
INGREDIENTS
1.5 tbsp olive oil
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced 1 large red onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
2 tbsp chili powder
1⁄2 tsp ground cumin
1⁄4 tsp kosher salt
3 1⁄2 cups vegetable stock
1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can of diced tomatoes
1⁄2 cup dried quinoa
4 tsp lime juice
Serving suggestions: avocado, cilantro/parsley, grated cheese
DIRECTIONS
1) Heat a large heavy bottom pot with the oil over medium high heat.
2) Add the sweet potato and onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is softened. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin and salt and stir to combine.
3) Add the stock, tomatoes, black beans and quinoa and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir to incorporate.
4) Cover the pot and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
5) Cook for 30-40 minutes until the quinoa is fully cooked and the sweet potatoes are soft and the entire mixture is thick like a chili.
5) Add the lime juice and remove the pot from the heat. Season with salt as needed.
Garnish with avocado, cilantro/parsely or cheese before serving.
Makes 4 servings