Hot and spicy foods get your metabolism revving. The added bonus in this soup is the black beans healthy and vegetarian protein boost. They pack 15 grams of protein into 1 cup! The addition of the sweet potato helps this become a hearty, satisfying soup that will help you to feel full longer. Choose to eat this in the evening as your source of hormone-friendly starchy carbs. Eating your starch at night prevents cravings during the day, has been found to preserve muscle mass more than consuming them at lunch or breakfast, reduces cortisol and boosts serotonin – which improves your sleep :).
Ingredients:
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 onion chopped finely
4 cloves garlic
1/2 stalk celery
3 medium chipotle peppers, minced
(or 2 jalapeno peppers)
4 cups of black beans (either cooked or cans)
1 tsp. white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp ground cloves
2 small sweet potatoes
1 1/2 tsp white pepper
6 cups of vegetable stock
Optional Garnish: fresh cilantro, lime, avocado chunks
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil over medium heat, in a large saucepan. Add the onion, celery, garlic, sweet potatoes and sauté until soft. Add the remaining ingredients and cover with vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes or until sweet potatoes are cooked. Remove from heat. Puree in a blender or food processor until smooth. Garnish with a sprig of cilantro, avocado slices and a slice of lime and serve. Enjoy! If you want to up the protein we recommend a roasted chicken skewer or chicken breast.
