Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Sweet Potato Chili

  
 It's soup season here in my neck of the woods! We didn't have nearly as much snow as some areas did over the holidays, but we certainly had enough by my standards. With the cold, windy weather and the over-indulgences of holiday fare, I felt that a good healthful soup was in order. I found a recipe in Simple Vegetarian Pleasures that fit the bill nicely- It didn't hurt either that I had all of the ingredients! 

 I halved the recipe because I wasn't too sure how hubby would like meatless chili, but he gave it a "thumbs up!" The potatoes gave it a subtle sweetness that was perfectly tempered by the savory peppers, onions and spices. Loaded with heart healthy ingredients and beta carotene, it's a dish I'll definitely make again.

 This recipe as written is what I would classify as a mild chili. If you're more a fan of hot and spicy, you may want to add more chili powder or even some cayenne to "kick it up" a notch. That's between you and your taste buds though. :)


Sweet Potato Chili
adapted from Simple Vegetarian Pleasures, by Jeanne Lemlin
Ingredients (recipe is halved from the original)
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 small garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1scant Tablespoon chili powder (or to taste)
1 scant teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups water (1/2 cup more can be added to cover if needed)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with their juice
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
1 med-large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch dice
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
chopped cilantro and avocado for garnish if desired
Directions
  • Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent. Stir in the pepper and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often.
  • Sprinkle the chili powder and cumin over the pepper and onion and cook an additional 2 minutes, stirring often.
  • Add all of the remaining ingredients (except for the cilantro and avocado) and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover and cook until sweet potatoes are tender. (mine took about 25-30 minutes) 
  • Serve with cilantro and avocado if desired.
  • Note: The original recipe called for a scant 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but I didn't add it. I also used "no salt added" beans, making the recipe even more heart healthy.
  • Variation: (I'm going to try this next time.) Add 1/4 cup of quick cooking barley in with the rest of the ingredients.
Come join SoupaPalooza at TidyMom and Dine and Dish sponsored by KitchenAid, Red Star Yeast and Le Creuset
This post is linked to Cookbook Sundays on Brenda's Canadian Kitchen and Seasonal Sunday at Real Sustenance.

    50 comments:

    1. I will eat anything with avocados on top. This sounds and looks just fabulous for a cold winter evening. And I like that it's a small recipe since it's usually just hubby and me.

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    2. Interesting! Sweet potatoes in chili. I may have to try this!

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    3. Stopping over from Paula's place. Excited to see this delicious sweet potato chili. I enjoyed a sweet potato right from the oven with a little butter, salt/pepper and brown sugar for my lunch today.

      Looks like I a going to have fun perusing your lovely blog!

      Kindly, Lorraine

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    4. The bowl of chili looks yummy, a great way of using sweet potatoes. Happy New Year!

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    5. Mmm sounds delicious! I especially like the avocado as garnish! Sweet potato and chili are two of my favorite things during the long, cold winter months, so I'll definitely have to give this recipe a try soon.. Thanks for sharing!

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    6. Looks fabulous and your images are incredible for indoor winter ones. I love your red bowl. This sounds like something that we should all be eating, sneaking in all of those healthy veggies. That should be my New Year's resolution! (I bought a juicer a couple of years ago - maybe this will be the year I achieve daily 5!)

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    7. Mmm...looks very inviting for this cold weather. I love sweet potatoes. Will eat a big bowl of this :P Thanks very much for sharing, Wishing you a great 2011!

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    8. That look look lovely and rich and would hold up against a meaty chilli too with an edge from the sweet potato! :D

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    9. Looks great, wouldn't mind that for lunch today! Happy New Year:@)

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    10. This chili recipe would be a favorite at our table any time of year! Love that it is meatless too :) XO

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    11. That chili looks so good. I love the colors, especially with the avocado on top.

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    12. With the avocado on top I am in love, Happy New Year

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    13. Mmm love avocado and the chili looks delish! And I love that bowl too :)

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    14. using potatoes sounds very interesting!! Love chili with avocado:)

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    15. This sounds delicious! I'm going to be making lots of soups and stews in the next couple of months and can't wait to try this.

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    16. Now this is a fantastic recipe, love everything here :)
      Happiest of New Years to you and your loved ones!

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    17. It is snowing here in New Mexico and a bowl of your chili would be perfect! I will be making this recipe soon!

      Have a very Blessed New Year!
      Linda

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    18. This really sounds delicious. I've never used sweet potatoes in chili but your recipe sounds delicious. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

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    19. A delicious bowl of warmth and satisfaction! I love it!
      Happy New Year!
      Angie

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    20. I have never added sweet potatoes to my chili recipe, but I love how it sounds! I'm eager to give this a try. Thank you for sharing such a warm and inviting recipe with me. I wish you and yours a blessed weekend and new year!

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    21. Delicious chilli with sweet potato.

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    22. Deliciousssss!!!

      happy 2011 to you! all the best in the coming year! god bless xx

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    23. That is one gorgeous bowl of chili! I'm always looking for new vegetarian ideas so I'm glad you posted this...I love the idea of sweet potato in chili! Wishing you and yours a very happy New Year!

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    24. that looks so good for a cold winters night

      happy new year, my friend

      kary and teddy
      xxx

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    25. hmmm. never had chili with sweet potatoes before. the avocados looks SO yummy!

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    26. what a vibrant dish.Sweetpotato is a wonderful idea for a vegetarian dish.I love your pictures.Happy New year!

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    27. Sweet potatoes are the most nutrient dense veggies out there...and one of the most delicious, so you definitely can't go wrong with a dish like this! Absolutely heartwarming! Happy New Year!

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    28. I've never had a vegetarian chili but I think it's time I did. I just love sweet potatoes and avacado. Have a happy new year!

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    29. Looks like a healthy way to start the new year. Just what I need!

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    30. This has definitely been bookmarked!! I LOVE chili and I LOVE sweet potatoes, so I'm pretty sure it doesn't get much better than this. Especially considering I want to try to be a bit healthier this year :)

      Sues

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    31. Happy New Years to you, too.
      Chili was our New Years dinner. Love it!

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    32. It actually snowed here in Southern Utah this week! Im definatley not used to this cold weather but this soup would be perfect to warm us up! Sounds healthy and delish!

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    33. What is there not to love, it's vegetarian chilli! Great recipe and nice photos. Happy New Year!

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    34. My mantra is when cold happens, soup happens. Your sweet potato chili soup looks soul satisfying. Beautiful.

      Stay warm.

      Happy New Year.

      Velva

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    35. What a great recipe, I make a chicken chili that has sweet potatoes in it and I just love the sweetness they provide. This sounds delicious and a great alternative to the traditional meat chili. Thank you so much for sharing with Cookbook Sundays. Have a great week!

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    36. Your chili with the avocado looks so delicious and pretty. Great recipe that I would like to make for my family, a nice change from the traditional meat chili.
      Wishing you and yours, a Very Happy New Year!

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    37. Wishing you a great blogging new year.

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    38. I love recipes that are mild :) Too much spice and I'm out. This chili looks perfect...the sweet potatoes are definitely a touch I haven't tried before. Good call! Hope 2011 brings you fantastic things :)

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    39. What a marvelous recipe! And it's not too spicy either. Sweet potatoes are a favorite.
      Looking forward to another year of your fabulous recipes!

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    40. What an interesting recipe! I've never had chili made with sweet potatoes. I have got to try this since I love sweet potatoes. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

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    41. Yes, thank you. I'll have a bowl and I'll bring the corn bread!!

      Happy new year and new recipes!

      Best,
      Bonnie

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    42. oo I love veggie dinner ideas! this one looks delicious!!!

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    43. I LOVE sweet potato chili! Pairing it with chopped avocado is a winning combo, too (plus, your it makes your picture super colorful).

      Glad your hubby enjoyed the beauty of a meat-less meal :)

      Happy New Year!

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    44. I loveeee d avocado garnish in this absolutely heartily delightfull soup !
      Oh so good for the season!
      Also wishing ya a brite sunshine new year with lodsa happy days galore!

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    45. Happy 2011 and what a great dish to start the new year :D

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    46. Looks so colorful and healthy...great way to start the new year!

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    47. Wow - this soup looks absolutely wonderful - love the combination of sweet potato with the beans, and the avocado garnish looks so pretty against the rich red of the soup. Very colourful and gorgeous.
      Sue :-)

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    48. I have a whole bunch of sweet potatoes to use up and a husband who doesn't like them. This chili seems like a really good way to use them and hopefully he'll like it!

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    49. This looks and sounds delicious! I can't wait to try this :)

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    Thanks for stopping by scrambled hen fruit! I appreciate all of your comments and look forward to reading them.