Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
•  2 cups peeled and chopped sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
•   1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
•  1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
•  3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
•  1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
• 1 cup white quinoa
•  2 cups chicken stock (can use broth) (use vegetarian stock/broth to keep this vegetarian)
•  1 cup frozen corn
•  1 can (15.5 ounces) chili beans in mild sauce
•  1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
•  1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes
•  Optional toppings: fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, sour cream, cheddar cheese

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add in the (peeled and chopped) sweet potatoes.
• Cook until quite tender, around 7-9 minutes. Add in the chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir for 1 minute or until fragrant.
• Thoroughly rinse the quinoa. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the quinoa to the hot skillet, stirring constantly for 30 seconds.
• Return to the heat and add in the stock/broth, the frozen corn, undrained chili beans, black beans and undrained diced tomatoes.
• Stir everything well and bring to a boil. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat to medium low and cover the pot.
• Allow to simmer for 20-25 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed. The time will vary, depending on the heat of your stove. For best results, check it every 3-5 minutes and give it a good stir at each check to avoid burning or sticking to the bottom.
• Once the liquid is mostly absorbed, remove from the heat. Season to taste with any additional salt/pepper as needed. I like to add a few tablespoons of lime juice here.
• Add your favorite toppings to individual bowls. We top ours with a good handful of freshly grated sharp Cheddar cheese, another squeeze of lime, a good dollop of sour cream and some chopped cilantro. Don't forget the toppings; they add a lot!

 

 

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