Sweet Potato Chili

Sweet Potato Chili

Introduction

When the weather starts to cool, there’s nothing more comforting than a hearty bowl of chili. This Sweet Potato Chili offers a delightful twist on the traditional recipe, combining the sweetness of the potatoes with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this chili is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients

For the Chili:

• 1 pound sweet potatoes
• 1 medium white onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (80% fat / 20% lean)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
• 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon sauce from the can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, plus more as needed
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

Serving Options:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Reserved chopped white onion
• Corn chips or tortilla chips

Directions

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   • Peel and dice 1 pound sweet potato into 3/4-inch pieces (about 3 cups).
   • Dice 1 medium white onion (about 1 1/2 cups); reserve 1/3 cup for serving.
   • Mince 4 garlic cloves.
   • Finely chop 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
   • Drain and rinse 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
   • Add 1 pound ground beef in an even layer and let cook undisturbed until browned on the bottom, about 4 minutes.
   • Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula, breaking the meat up into smaller pieces. Season with 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt.
   • Cook until cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer the beef to a plate with a slotted spoon.
3. Cook the Aromatics:
   • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining onion and season with a pinch of kosher salt.
   • Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, 4 to 6 minutes.
   • Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the Sweet Potatoes and Spices:
   • Add the sweet potato, chipotle pepper, 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon sauce from the can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (depending on spicy heat level desired), 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, and the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
   • Stir well to coat the potato in the spices.
5. Simmer the Chili:
   • Add 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes. Pour water into the can to rinse, then pour into the pot.
   • Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Bring just up to a boil.
   • Add the beans and ground beef and any accumulated juices on the plate. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
   • Cover and simmer, reducing the heat as needed, until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes.
6. Prepare the Toppings:
   • Meanwhile, prepare any toppings as needed.
7. Serve:
   • Taste the chili and season with more adobo sauce or chopped chipotle peppers as needed.
   • Serve topped with cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, white onion, and corn chips as desired.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Calories: 450 per serving
• Servings: 4

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Chili is a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare. The combination of sweet potatoes, chipotle peppers, and ground beef creates a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings and savor the delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors.

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