There are days where time and energy are just not found in the kitchen. I regret that, but fortunately, the microwave comes to the rescue. One of my favorite winter combos in very simple: sweet potato and black beans. This is better with the spices, but it’s still pretty good plain if more than two ingredients is too challenging.

Sweet Potato & Black Beans

1 sweet potato (small to medium)
1 cup black beans, cooked or canned and drained
dash of cumin
dash chili powder
splash of olive oil
2 tablespoons salsa of choice
Optional window dressings: olives, scallions, avocado, cheese, sour cream, green chilies, cilantro, lime wedges…

Scrub sweet potato well, then stab it with a fork several times. Cook sweet potato in the microwave– about three minutes, turn, and three more minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the beans by mixing with a little oil, the spices, and the salsa. When the sweet potato is cooked, top with the beans and any extras. Heat through. Enjoy!