This dish is a nod to a mole stew, the traditional dish of Oaxaca, in Mexico, which I visited during my medical elective. I’d never experienced the flavours of raw cacao and smoky chilli in a dish before. I was instantly hooked. The cacao in this bean and lentil stew gives a rich and complex sour flavour which needs a touch of honey to round it out. The benefits of cacao are vast, ranging from promoting heart health to brain-boosting properties, so I love combining it into dishes as much as possible. The extra collection of spices further adds to the anti- inflammatory properties and this makes a perfect casual meal with good-quality 100% corn tortilla baked chips. The black beans also have the highest protein content of any beans.
Based on 2 servings, adjust as needed.