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Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili

Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili
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Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili is a comforting and nutritious vegetarian chili that combines the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with protein-rich quinoa, black beans, and a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, this hearty chili offers a delicious balance of spice, sweetness, and wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Variations & Add-ins

  • 1 diced jalapeño or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spicy kick)
  • 1 cup chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or corn (extra veggies)
  • Dairy-free cheese for topping
  • Cooked lentils or crumbled tofu (protein boost)
  • Substitute quinoa with brown rice or barley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes, rinse the quinoa under cold water, and finely chop the onion and garlic to get everything ready.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, stirring until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly to toast the spices and release their full aroma, which will deepen the flavor of your chili.
  4. Combine Main Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, sweet potatoes, black beans, and rinsed quinoa. Stir everything together until well mixed.
  5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and quinoa is cooked through.
  6. Final Taste and Adjust: Give the chili a good stir and taste to adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. Serve hot for a soul-warming meal.

Notes

  • Toast the quinoa before adding liquids for a nuttier flavor.
  • Always rinse quinoa to avoid bitterness.
  • Cook the chili on low heat with a gentle simmer to develop flavors and soften sweet potatoes evenly.
  • Add spices at different stages to layer flavor complexity.
  • Allow chili to rest for 10 minutes after cooking; flavors meld and improve.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato chili, quinoa chili, vegetarian chili, gluten-free chili, healthy chili, meal prep chili, vegan chili

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/sweet-potato-quinoa-chili/