Dishing Up the Dirt

Spiced Sweet Potato Chana Dal Stew

Before I get to this oh so good recipe I wanted to introduce you all to the barre3 giveaway. I’m going to be honest and mention that I am always hesitant to do giveaways on the blog because most of the time I am offered things that I don’t find useful or don’t entirely agree with. We have a box full of goodies that could be yours but that I don’t feel right about reviewing. However, this giveaway is quite different.  If you’ve been reading this blog for a while then you already know the physical demands farming entails. I’ve been farming for 6 years now and let me tell you, my body has definitely suffered from all of the back-breaking days and hours spent hunched over. I have my chiropractors phone number memorized and a few sessions with the physical therapist is always an off season ritual as a farmer. However, every winter for the past 3 years I have subscribed to the barre3 online workouts to keep myself in shape and my muscles well stretched so that when spring comes rolling around I don’t have to begin the farm season completely out of shape. I need to be able to continue farming well into my 80’s so “working out” is an off-season must.  Barre3 is great for me because it’s a combination of yoga, pilates, ballet and has been amazing for my body. I still see my chiropractor but the workouts have definitely helped with my alignment and strength. You’d all laugh out loud if you saw me and Henry doing workouts in the greenhouse with my yoga mat, laptop and winter hat. It’s pretty embarrassing but what can I say, I’m trying to be a more graceful farmer!

Another great thing about barre3 is that members of the company’s core team who live in Portland all subscribe to the Tumbleweed Farm CSA. That’s right folks, every Monday during the farm season Taylor and I drive a truck full of vegetables to the head quarters in Portland and drop off the barre3 CSA share.  We are so grateful to these amazing people for supporting our farm and for keeping us in shape during the off season.  If you subscribe to the barre3 online community you not only get access to hundreds of workouts but you also get some pretty amazing recipes to choose from (some of which are created by yours truly!)

All of that is why I am excited to announce that barre3 is hosting a four-week, results oriented challenge that includes workouts, recipes, online support and more. You can learn everything you need to know about this awesome challenge right here. The lovely ladies at barre3 have offered 3 dishing up the dirt readers a chance to win unlimited access to the exclusive challenge, one month of free online workouts and the barre3’s signature challenge kit. The kit includes a personal tracking system, a barre3 challenge glass water bottle, a barre3 challenge tote, weekly challenge emails, live Q + A’s with founder Sadie Lincoln, and seasonal recipes. I think it’s a great way to kick start the New Year! For a chance to win all you need to do is leave a comment below and let me know if you have any personal health goals for the 2015 season. All comments made before January 1st will be considered. And hey, if you’re nervous just remember if a girl wearing carharrt overalls in a greenhouse can commit to these workouts you can too!

To top it off all of my readers get access to a free online workout trial for 15 days which includes hundreds of online workouts and access to seasonal healthy recipes. All you need to do is visit www.barre3.com/redeem and enter the promo code barre3DishingUpDirt 

Speaking of getting fit and healthy how about kickstarting your week with this lovely chana dal stew. I’ve been making this a lot during our kitchen renovation because it makes great leftovers and keeps us full and energized. I’ve gone back and forth over the past two weeks using either sweet potatoes or butternut squash. Either work well in this dish and I absolutely love the spices and texture of the chana dal. However, if you can’t find chana dal (it’s available at most supermarkets) you can substitute with yellow split peas. Taylor loves when we serve this with some toasted naan bread which I highly recommend. Enjoy!

Spiced Sweet Potato Chana Dal Stew

Prep Time: 10 minutes    Cook Time: 30 minutes    Serves: 6

  • 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1  inch chunk of fresh ginger, peeled and minced
  • 1 large sweet potato, rinsed, scrubbed and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 Tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 Tablespoon curry powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 2 cups chana dal, rinsed and picked over
  • 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 4-5 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (15 oz) can full fat coconut milk
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • minced cilantro for serving
  • Squeeze of fresh lime juice for serving

Preparation

  1. In a large dutch oven or large soup pot heat the oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until beginning to soften. About 5 minutes. Stir in the ginger, sweet potato, and the spices. Continue to cook, string often until the spices become fragrant. About 3 minutes. Add the chana dal, crushed tomatoes and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer until the sweet potato and dal are tender. About 25 minutes.
  2. Stir in the coconut milk, salt and pepper. Let cook for about 5 more minutes to absorb the flavors. Taste test and adjust the seasonings as need be. I usually add a little more garam masala and curry.
  3. Serve warm with minced cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice

Notes

*Use this recipe as a guide. *Adjust measurements and ingredients as necessary. *Taste test as you go. *Have fun in the kitchen and experiment with your own twist!


Leave a Reply

67 thoughts on “Spiced Sweet Potato Chana Dal Stew

  1. Sarah says:

    I <3 Barre3 and love you guys even more after learning that you do their workouts and that they subscribe to your CSA! Amazeballs. My personal health goals for 2015 involve eating more green stuff, drinking more water, and playing outside more (or in the yoga studio), so I can eat pizza, bacon, and drink delicious beer every once in awhile and not have to worry about it.

    1. Debbie Jannsen says:

      All I want for Christmas/New Year’s is a healthy, happy, content, heart, soul and mind! Then I can bless others and be blessed myself! I know one of the true keys to this is eating healthy. I have always ate pretty well and exercise most of my life! I am 63 years old. and I can always improve though and I hope I learn more how to strike this balance. I have 4 children and 8 grandchildren to model this lifestyle so I need to stay healthy! Most of all I desire to keep God at the center of all I do!

  2. Liz says:

    My goal is to get serious about making time to workout 3-4 days a week and lose the rest of the baby weight!

  3. Angela says:

    My healthy goal for 2015 is getting back in shape so I can keep up with my 2 year old!

  4. Tammy says:

    My goals for 2015 include becoming more educated with clean eating and continuing to try as many new recipes as I can squeeze in. And converting my husband to more clean eating!

  5. Dana S says:

    start training for races again and stretch every day

  6. Allison says:

    I’m in school full time so my personal health goals are to maintain a healthy balance between rest, exercise, school and time with friends and family.

  7. Jo says:

    My health goal is to lose 10 pounds and get back into shape for a half marathon again!

  8. Christina says:

    My health goals are to maintain my current level of fitness while adopting exercise routines that are more gentile on my body. Barre exercises are so toning and so good for me, and I would love to learn routines that I can follow throughout the week.

  9. Emily says:

    My goals are to complete a 5k, to develop a sustained yoga practice, and to hit my 200th visit at my gym

  10. Heidi says:

    I am so excited about the Barre3 giveaway, my health goals for 2015, are to take time for myself, eat more veggies, lose weight and remember to stretch.
    Thanks Andrea for all of your delicious recipes and for allowing us to share in your journey as a farmer.

  11. Jeanna says:

    I’m so excited for this giveaway! My 2o15 health goal is to be better about weekly meal planning, drink more water and be more consistent about working out.

  12. Julia says:

    Dal me in tha face, baby! That dish looks magnificent! I did Barre once and absolutely loved it…such a stellar workout! Let’s do some barre-ing and then eat allll the sweet tater chana dal! Happy New Year, sista!

  13. Mary says:

    My goals are to workout 3 days a week and to only drink alcohol on the weekends. I’m ready for 2015 and can’t wait to get started!

  14. Tess says:

    Thanks so much for this awesome giveaway! My goal for 2015 is to try new types of workouts and find time for fun activity every day!

  15. mary ann says:

    My goal: Stop the “I’ll start [tomorrow/Monday/after ___]” line that I keep telling myself, and then persevere.

  16. Ruby says:

    My goal is to hike Section J (Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass) of the PCT this summer and keep my year free of arthritis flare-ups!

  17. Allison says:

    I love barre3! My goals are to eat more veggies and less sugar, and just to move more every day!

  18. Amber Marra says:

    My goal for 2015 is to get my legs strengthened back up so I can play outside more. A little more endurance will go a long way!

    1. Debra says:

      My goal for 2015 is to move more and eat foods that are better for my body. I really want it to be a life style change! Happy New Year!

  19. Debbie A says:

    I am a Barre 3 online subscriber and have recently gotten my fiancée to do classes with me and on his own. My main health goal for 2015 is what it is every year. I want to strive to do my best to stay healthy and well with a little indulgence on the side. Balance is the key to living well and to be balanced is my intentition. I really enjoy your recipes and wish I lived near you to receive a box of goodness each week as your produce looks amazing.

  20. Betty says:

    My personal goals for 2015 are to eat healthier and exercise for weight loss, but more importantly for a healthier life. Our family is also in the process of switching to becoming mostly vegetarians. 🙂

  21. Jessica says:

    I actually found your website from a Barre3 recipe! I’m so happy I found you and Barre3, both have really been great for me! My personal health goals for 2015: I want to try and eat fruits and vegetables at every meal. I’m a vegetarian, so that’s not that hard, but I’d really like to incorporate more plant based foods into my breakfast routine (rather than the usual milk + cereal). I also want to work out enough so that I can touch my toes again. I used to be so flexible, but working a desk job has really ruined that for me (hopefully only temporarily though).

  22. Joan says:

    My goal is to keep eating healthy and hiking more.

  23. Jackie says:

    Barre3 is great! I use to live in Eugene, and that is when I first heard about this awesome workout. This past year I moved to the Netherlands, and downloaded the app to try to keep in shape. I work with kids though so I definitely am trying to strengthen my back for all the lifting I do with them, and barre3 is great for it! My workout goals this next year is to try to get in more shape with all the new wonderful breads and cheeses that have recently entered my diet, but also find some great recipes to transfer over to my new life across the seas.

  24. Megan says:

    I want to use Barre3 to get healthier in 2015 and to feel great for my 2015 wedding!

  25. mirat says:

    My goal is to cook more dishingupthedirt recipes and find an exercise routine I can stick with. Here’s to a yummy 2015!

  26. Stephanie says:

    I have been so curious to try Barre3! After nursing a knee injury most of the year, my goal for 2015 is to stay faithful to my strength training and get back to regular runs.

  27. Anna says:

    Yeah! Awesome recipe. In 2015 I’d like to up my athletic performance by diversifying my workouts to include more core/yoga focus and hope that it’ll all result in getting faster on my bike, stronger on my skis, hurting less and looking good naked!

  28. Amelia Shannon says:

    I love Barre3 and I discovered your blog on their recipe page! My goals for 2015 are to take advantage of the Farm to Work program I have at my job to get a case of local produce every two weeks and start cooking up some veggies, and to fit in at least two Barre3 studio workouts a week plus online workouts at home.

  29. Susan says:

    Thank you for this opportunity! My health goals for 2015 are to continue focusing on strength and mind/body well-being.

  30. Melanie says:

    Would love to try Barre3!

  31. Sue Peoples says:

    My goals for 2015 is to eat more greens, and get serious about my yoga practice. Also since moving to hilly Bainbridge Island from flat Florida I would love to ride my bike more and really conquer the hills!

  32. Diana L. says:

    I just had a baby so I’m looking forward to getting my body back in shape in the new year! I wanted to try barre3 so I’m looking forward to this. Thanks!

  33. My workouts have suffered so bad this year so my goal is to get into a regular routine again. I would love to add in a little Barre 3 too. Lord knows I could always use a little more grace. 😉

    This stew looks unbelievable too. I’m all about sweet potatoes right now and the warming spices are perfect for winter!

  34. Amy Garvin says:

    My health goal for 2015 is to ditch the gym and start doing things “old school”! Instead of viewing exercise as a chore, my husband and I plan to get outside more to do fun things that keep us active, like biking and hiking. We also love your recipes and you have inspired us to start our own backyard garden to help us eat healthier. I think the barre3 challenge would be a great supplement to this plan and a great way to start off the new year. Thanks to you and Taylor for inspiring us to live a simpler, happier lifestyle!!

  35. Kari Howell says:

    I’m a runner so my goal for 2015 is to run a race at least once a month for the whole year.

  36. Emily says:

    My goals for 2015 are to be more active, drink more water, and cook more.

  37. Amber says:

    In 2015, my goal is to find deeper inner peace and get my barre3 body back. After being diagnosed with a heart condition, I had to step away from my barre3 practice and instructing in Oklahoma City and endure two heart surgeries last year. It was a challenging year mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. For 2015, I am looking ahead to a healthier year where I can find healing both inside and out. I am hoping this challenge is the beginning of that healing journey back to myself and back to my fit, healthy body.

    I am thankful for this blog and these healthy recipes! I have made and enjoyed many yummy recipes with my family. 🙂

  38. Elise says:

    I love that Tumbleweed Farm and Barre3 are mutually supportive of one another! Two beautiful ways of encouraging nourished living. My goal for 2015 is to tone up using Barre3 and being more active outdoors in the lovely PNW. My husband and I are planning a month long backpacking trip in New Zealand for 2016 and I want to be in the best shape for the trip. I appreciate how living healthy myself allows me to better serve and love my community – and that’s very important to me!

  39. Emma says:

    Those workouts sound fun as well as effective. Just what I need. I’m resolving to be more active in 2015 but haven’t quite decided in what shape or form that activity is going to be.
    Pinning this recipe to try too!

  40. Casey says:

    Andrea! Your recipes are always so inspiring and delicious! Barre3 looks like an amazing workout; my mate, Richard and I, do yoga nearly daily – Barre3 would be a great way to improve our daily workouts! 2015 goals: more water, more meditation, more daily activity!

    We’re small farmers in Ohio and looking forward to getting back out into the garden this spring! Nothing better than getting our hands in that warm soil and enjoying another growing season!

    Thanks for all you do and share!

  41. Heather Buser says:

    Yay for your receipes and yay for barre3 online! The ONE thing we’re missing in HR is a studio!!!

    My goals for 2015 are to cut down on my sugar intake and grow some of our own food. Here’s hoping!

  42. Pam Welliver says:

    My health goal for next year is to try to encourage my family to eat more real food. It’s hard to break bad habits that they’ve been eating for so long. I feel like I’ve been able to change my own bad eating habits and would like to see them enjoy eating healthier too! It’s a tall task! Wish me luck!

  43. Liz K. says:

    Oh my goodness! I love your recipies & everything about who you are! My goal for this upcoming year & beyond is to eat more whole foods! I’m a long-time vegetarian & mostly vegan but I want to do better with my food choices… To be EVEN MORE aware and proactive to create new recipies at home (love to cook!) and eat more naturally! I believe that being healthy & starting on the inside is essential 🙂

  44. Emily D. says:

    I love your blog! I had to laugh when I noticed that you’re Adam’s sister….I’ve done some tracking courses with him in the past have run into him from time to time here in NW Montana 🙂 My personal fitness goals for 2015 mostly involve getting motivated after long days as a raft guide and lift operator to train for a couple of ultras. Thanks, and keep up the amazing stream of recipes!

  45. amanda l says:

    My goal is to lose the weight I gained having my baby. One year of infertility treatment and IVF, sure wreaked havoc on my body. I want to feel like myself again.

  46. Jayne Schroeder says:

    I’ve been focusing so much on trying to eat healthy and trying to get strong that I feel my muscles tightening up. I don’t want to lose any of my flexibility and I miss the place in my life that once contained yoga; barre3 seems like a great way to work all the above in. I love the way you choose to live your life and if I was you, I’d think the greenhouse in a knit cap with a yoga mat and a husband to be just as perfect as perfect gets. Thanks for doing what you do, Happy 2015!

  47. Dee says:

    Great giveaway! For 2015, I need to get serious about exercising. I am so lazy when it comes to this–but there are no excuses. It’s important to my health!

  48. Stacy says:

    I turned 45 and really need to get back in tune with my body. I had always loved more yoga, pilates, stretching & core types of exercise but the last several years…hell…DECADE I’ve just been lapsing and wishy-washy and lazy. With the support of my husband, I am (WE ARE) ready to make 2015 THE YEAR OF THE ANTI-LAPSING, ANTI-WISHY-WASHY, ANTI-LAZY US’s!!

  49. Lynn says:

    My goals for 2015 are to continue eating clean & mostly vegetarian. I would love to incorporate barre3 into my workouts. Starting a new job October 2014 has been stressfull & challenging & I feel like I’m falling behind on my workouts.
    I would love to get your cas boxes, however I am in washougal & am not sure with my work schedule how I would be able to pick up.
    Thanks so much for all the wonderful recipes!

  50. Barb says:

    I’ll be working on strength, flexibility and endurance in 2015. I enjoy reading your blog, and I love the recipes!

  51. Tess says:

    I love barre3 and have made some of your delicious recipes. I started following your blog after trying one of your recipes from the on line Barre3. I’m all signed up and ready for the #barre3challenge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  52. Susan Orris says:

    So happy to have discovered your website. My daughter and I are actively practicing sustainability and making lifestyle changes. On top of this, I recently was diagnosed with afib and need to make dietary and exercise changes. 2015 is going to be a year of incredible transformation for me and my family. We’ll be taking Dishing Up the Dirt with us. Now it’s time to check out Barre3.

  53. Karlie says:

    My personal health goal for 2015 is to take 5 min a day to check in with myself in order to be truly present in everything I do/experience this year. I would love the opportunity to try out Barre3!

  54. Sarah says:

    Moving to The Gorge earlier this year was a great decision. We are so happy to be surrounded by the great outdoors which provides us the opportunity to lead a more active & balanced life. And DUTD has been a big part of this new adventure by providing much KitchInspiration for becoming connected to a truly sustainable food system within this great little community! I’ve said it a dozen times…the biggest thing I miss about city living is access to barre3 workouts. I’ve been wanting to try an online subscription & like everyone else here, agree that this is a worthwhile giveaway & feel fortunate to have the opportunity to win such a prize. Luck be on my side for this one!

  55. Courtenay says:

    My goal for 2015 is to do workouts I enjoy! And if I don’t like it anymore, switch it up and find something else I like. I think variety is a must when it comes to working out, along with being better at taking care of my body, in terms of recovery after a workout.

  56. Annie says:

    My personal health goal for the new year is to continue having a healthy pregnancy and increase my strength and flexibility in preparation for labor and delivery in April!

  57. Kacie says:

    One of my goals is to try different ways to exercise other than running. Barre3 is one that I have been wanting to try!!

  58. Heather S says:

    The only goal I have is to continue to work-out as often as I do and drink more water 🙂

  59. Alexis says:

    I’d love to try Barre3! My new year’s resolution is to complement a stranger at least once per day 🙂

  60. Shawna says:

    Love your blog as well as your amazing pictures and recipes! Thanks so much for sharing!

    My goal for the new year is to find a way for me and my son to get more exercise. I sit at a computer all day, so I don’t get as much activity as I should. And because of medication my youngest son gains weight very easily. He’s getting self-conscious about it and I want to help him get more exercise without making him feel like he needs to lose weight. I’m hoping to find something fun that we can do together!

  61. Amy Sidran says:

    As a small farmer, mother, and teacher I use barre3 to stay fit and able bodied to keep up. I would love to do this challenge to kickstart the New Year!

  62. Pat says:

    It is necessary for me to KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON currently. My goal is to stay steady and be happy in the process. I’m guessing barre3 may help with that.

    Thanks for your engaging, informative posts. You brighten the days.

  63. Naomi says:

    So many health goals to choose from – I think the most important for me is to focus on getting to bed at a decent time. And getting some form of exercise everyday. I’ve been wanting to get back into the ballet of my youth, a workout without having to be as intense as interval training.

  64. Carrie says:

    Two years ago I sustained a devastating AC separation injury to my left shoulder after a road bicycling crash. After a year of living in pain (when the shoulder was supposed to heal) and not being able to practice yoga, go bicying, or paddle my kayak, I finally had a surgical operation to fix it. Now after months of PT, I am back on the road to recovery and feel fortunate and thankful to be healthy and active again! I am looking forward to the feeling of strength and calmess that practicing yoga brings, and discovering Barre3, which sounds like a super fun, incredible combination! Here’s to a new heathy year!

  65. Pam Tewes says:

    My go al for myself this year is to be committed to my health and happiness. To take care of me and learn to love myself. I will welcome the Barre workouts as precious time to focus on my best self. Thank you for the opportunity!

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