Nourishing Sweet Potato & Chickpea Stew | Perfect for Your Luteal Phase When Trying for a Baby

Luteal Days Recipe | Nutritious Dinner Idea

Feeds: 2 | Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 35 mins

Trying for a baby? This recipe is a “one pot to rule them all” kind of dish.

Simply combine all the ingredients in a pot and leave them to stew. This recipe's beauty lies in its ease and versatility. I’ve doubled the ingredients here so you can save the leftovers for another delicious meal.

If you like the sound of this recipe, then don’t miss my sausage, chickpea, and sweet potato scramble recipe, the perfect breakfast packed with nutrition and mouthfuls of flavours!

As the luteal phase of your cycle calls for comfort and cosiness, this fragrant and warming stew with sweet potatoes and aromatic spices will nurture your digestive system and heartily warm you up. 

It’s the perfect meal to end your cycle with when you crave comfort above all else. If you’re trying for a baby, this stew is an excellent addition to your diet, providing vital nutrients during this critical phase.

Ingredients

Incorporating foods good for fertility into your diet is essential, especially when preparing for pregnancy. The luteal phase is a critical time in your cycle, and the nutrients you consume can directly influence your reproductive health. 

This stew is packed with ingredients that nourish your body and provide essential vitamins and minerals known to support fertility. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C, which affect hormone regulation and ovulation. And chickpeas offer a plant-based source of protein and zinc, which are vital for maintaining healthy hormone levels.

By including these foods in your diet, you’re taking proactive steps to create a fertile environment when trying for a baby, optimising conception and overall reproductive wellness.

• 2 tbsp olive oil – A healthy fat that supports hormone balance

• 1 red onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and depth to the stew

• 4 garlic cloves, crushed – Provides a flavourful base and has anti-inflammatory properties

• 400ml water – To create a rich, hearty stew

• 2 small sweet potatoes, cubed – A great source of complex carbohydrates and vitamins, perfect for the luteal phase

• 4 large tomatoes, quartered – Use fresh or canned; both add a rich, tangy flavour

• 2 fresh or dried bay leaves – Add a subtle, aromatic flavour

• 1 tsp ground cumin – Gives the dish warm, earthy tones

• A pinch of cayenne pepper – Adds just a touch of heat to balance the sweetness

• 1 aubergine, cubed – Can be replaced by a courgette or any colour of pepper 

• 600g cooked chickpeas – Rich in protein and fibre, can be replaced by lentils 

• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning

• Cooked rice to serve (optional) – A perfect accompaniment to the stew

Step-by-Step Dinner Preparation

Focusing on nutrient-rich meals that provide the foundation for a healthy pregnancy is essential when you're getting ready for pregnancy and trying for a baby. 

When conceiving a baby, your body requires an increased intake of specific nutrients and foods good for fertility to support your reproductive health and the early stages of pregnancy. Meals like this comforting stew are perfect for this phase, as they are rich in nutrients such as folate, iron, and fibre. 

Folate, found in sweet potatoes and chickpeas, is crucial for preventing neural tube defects and supporting cell division in the earliest stages of pregnancy. Iron helps build a healthy blood supply; it is vital for you and your developing baby. 

Meanwhile, fibre supports digestive health, helping your body absorb these essential nutrients efficiently. By incorporating such meals and foods that increase fertility in females into your diet, you’re nourishing yourself and laying the groundwork for a healthy pregnancy.

1. Saute the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pan and sauté the onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened. This step releases the flavours, creating a rich base for the stew.

2. Cook the sweet potato and tomatoes: Add 50ml of the water, along with the sweet potato, tomatoes, and bay leaves. Cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes to soften the vegetables and infuse the flavours.

3. Add the spices and aubergine: Stir in the cumin, cayenne pepper, aubergine, and the remaining water. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the stew cooks evenly and thickens.

4. Finish with chickpeas: Add the chickpeas, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

5. Serve and store: Serve the stew hot or with rice for a more filling meal. Save half of the stew in the fridge, ready to be used in our delicious sausage, chickpea, and sweet potato scramble recipe (coming soon), for an easy and nutritious breakfast!

Tips and Variations

• Triple the quantities and freeze two portions; you have even less to do next month!

• This dish makes an excellent work lunch as it heats quickly and is easily transported in a thermos.

• This stew pairs beautifully with a dollop of Greek yoghurt for added creaminess, making it even more comforting during the luteal phase.

• Swap out the aubergine for courgette or different coloured peppers to vary the flavours and nutrients.

• Reheat in a frying pan with canned tomatoes or passata, crack in a few eggs and finish in the oven until the eggs are cooked. Your perfect Shakshuka!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

For those of you who like to crunch the numbers (pun intended!), here’s the nutritional info to keep your health stats in check.

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal

• Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Protein: 10g

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