Nourishing beef & sweet potato stew

Recipe · Pregnancy & post-partum

Nourishing beef & sweet potato stew

By The Herbal Dispensary team

A warming, iron-rich stew that’s perfect for pregnancy and the early post-partum weeks. Slow-cooked beef provides easily absorbed iron and protein, and sweet potato and greens add fibre and vitamins. It freezes beautifully – make a batch before baby arrives.

Serves 6 · Prep 20 min · Cook 2 hours (or slow cooker)

Ingredients

  • 1 kg beef chuck, cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery sticks, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 large sweet potato, cubed
  • 400 g can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef or bone broth
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 cups baby spinach or kale
  • Salt and pepper

Method

  1. Brown the beef in batches in olive oil in a large heavy pot, then set aside.
  2. Soften the onion, carrot and celery for 5 minutes, then add the garlic and paprika.
  3. Return the beef with the tomatoes, broth and bay leaves.
  4. Cover and simmer gently for 1½ hours (or 6–8 hours on low in a slow cooker).
  5. Add the sweet potato and cook for 30 minutes more, until tender.
  6. Stir through the greens until wilted, and season to taste.

Naturopath's tip

Iron needs rise in pregnancy and after birth. Pair iron-rich meals with vitamin C foods, and ask your naturopath or GP about checking your iron levels.

Want support with pregnancy & post-partum?

Our Palm Beach naturopaths can create a personalised plan for you – in clinic or online.
This recipe is general information only and not a substitute for personalised health advice. Check with your health practitioner if you have allergies, are pregnant or take medication.