Ella Mills’ Comforting and Delicious Black Bean and Harissa Stew

One of the significant benefits of batch cooking is the enhancement of flavors over time. This rings especially true for Ella Mills’ creamy black bean and harissa stew. According to Ella, this dish offers not only heartiness and comfort but also a delightful blend of spices from the harissa, sweetness from the coconut and maple syrup, and a delightful nutty undertone from the almonds. The inclusion of aubergine provides excellent texture, and the beans contribute to a filling and satisfying meal. It can be enjoyed on its own for a light supper or served with jasmine rice, jacket potatoes, or crispy roast cauliflower to create a more substantial meal.

Below is the recipe for Ella Mills’ Creamy Black Bean, Harissa and Almond Butter Stew:

Ingredients:

– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 2 shallots, halved and finely sliced
– 1 aubergine, finely diced into 1cm cubes
– 4 garlic cloves, crushed
– 1 × 400g tin of black beans, drained and rinsed
– 3 tablespoons of harissa, plus additional for serving
– 1 × 400ml tin of coconut milk
– 400ml hot vegetable stock
– 2 heaped tablespoons of smooth almond butter
– 2 teaspoons of maple syrup
– Grated zest and juice of 2 juicy limes
– Sea salt and black pepper

Method:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the shallot, aubergine, and a pinch of salt and fry for five minutes until soft. Add the garlic, black beans, and harissa and fry for two minutes until fragrant.
2. Pour in the coconut milk, stock, almond butter, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil, then cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Stir in the lime zest and juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add an extra tablespoon of harissa to the stew before serving if desired for added spice.

Ella also provides a tip for making crispy roast cauliflower: chop cauliflower into small florets, place them on a baking tray with a tablespoon of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, then roast in an oven preheated to 200ºC fan for about 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy.

For younger members of the family, Ella suggests omitting the harissa and adding it to the adult portions after serving the children.

This recipe is a favourite in Ella’s family and is loved by her daughters as well. For those seeking more healthy and simple recipes, Ella’s book “Deliciously Ella: Healthy Made Simple” is currently available.

Deliciously Ella’s rendition of the classic black bean and harissa stew is a comforting and gratifying dish perfect for a cosy night in. Whether you are a fan of batch cooking or simply seeking a new recipe to try, this stew is undoubtedly worthy of consideration. With its amalgamation of spices, creaminess from the coconut milk, and nutty essence from the almonds, it is a dish certain to captivate your palate and leave you yearning for more. Why not give it a try and experience it for yourself?