This Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew recipe offers a comforting and nutritious meal option, especially beneficial for cancer patients. With its high fiber and protein content, it's designed to support health and well-being during treatment.

Sweet potato and lentil dishes have roots in various cuisines worldwide, celebrated for their hearty and wholesome nature. This particular recipe combines the nutritious qualities of sweet potatoes and lentils with a blend of tomatoes, spinach, and cumin for added flavor and health benefits. It's been adapted to cater specifically to the dietary needs and tastes of cancer patients, providing nourishment and satisfaction during their journey to recovery.

Ingredients:

- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced

- 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed

- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 4 cups vegetable soup or water

Note: Choose fresh vegetable soup over processed broth for a healthier option without preservatives.

Method:

1. In a large pot, combine sweet potatoes, lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), spinach, cumin, salt, pepper, and vegetable soup or water.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until sweet potatoes and lentils are tender.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Serve hot and enjoy this nutritious and comforting sweet potato and lentil stew.

Nutrition Value:

1. 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced:

- Calories: Approximately 200 calories

- Carbohydrates: Around 46 grams

- Protein: About 4 grams

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: Minimal, around 70 milligrams

- Cholesterol: None

- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin A, C, and B vitamins, particularly B6

- Minerals: Contains potassium, manganese, and small amounts of other minerals

- Nutritional benefits: Sweet potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They provide sustained energy, support digestion, and contribute to overall immune function and skin health.

2. 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed:

- Calories: Approximately 230 calories

- Carbohydrates: Around 40 grams

- Protein: About 18 grams

- Fat: Around 1 gram

- Sodium: Minimal, around 10 milligrams

- Cholesterol: None

- Vitamins: High in folate, vitamin B6, and thiamine

- Minerals: Rich in iron, phosphorus, and manganese

- Nutritional benefits: Lentils are a powerhouse of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients. They support heart health, aid in digestion, and help regulate blood sugar levels.

3. 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes:

- Calories: Approximately 90 calories

- Carbohydrates: Around 20 grams

- Protein: About 4 grams

- Fat: Around 1 gram

- Sodium: Varies depending on brand, usually around 400-500 milligrams

- Cholesterol: None

- Vitamins: High in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants like lycopene

- Minerals: Contains potassium and small amounts of other minerals

- Nutritional benefits: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, supporting immune function, heart health, and skin health. They also contribute to hydration and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

4. 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped:

- Calories: Approximately 14 calories

- Carbohydrates: Around 2 grams

- Protein: About 2 grams

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: Minimal, around 24 milligrams

- Cholesterol: None

- Vitamins: High in vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate

- Minerals: Contains iron, calcium, and magnesium

- Nutritional benefits: Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green, providing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals essential for bone health, vision, and immune function. It's low in calories and carbohydrates but high in fiber, making it an excellent addition to any diet.

5. 1 teaspoon ground cumin:

- Calories: Approximately 8 calories

- Carbohydrates: Around 1 gram

- Protein: About 0.3 grams

- Fat: Around 0.5 grams

- Sodium: Minimal, around 1 milligram

- Cholesterol: None

- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K

- Minerals: Rich in iron, manganese, and calcium

- Nutritional benefits: Cumin is known for its distinct flavor and aroma, but it also offers health benefits. It aids digestion, may have anti-inflammatory properties, and provides essential minerals like iron and manganese.

6. Salt and pepper to taste:

- Calories: Negligible

- Carbohydrates: Negligible

- Protein: Negligible

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: Varies depending on quantity used

- Cholesterol: None

- Nutritional benefits: Salt and pepper add flavor to dishes but should be used in moderation to control sodium intake. They do not contribute significant macronutrients or micronutrients to the diet.

7. 4 cups vegetable broth or water:

- Calories: Negligible (if using water)

- Carbohydrates: Negligible

- Protein: Negligible

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: Varies depending on brand or preparation

- Cholesterol: None

- Nutritional benefits: Vegetable broth provides flavor and depth to the stew without adding significant calories or macronutrients. It can be a source of hydration and may contain some vitamins and minerals depending on the ingredients used. If using water, it adds moisture to the stew without any additional nutrients.