Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

I am eagerly anticipating autumn.  Although the leaves are beginning to change, it is still too hot here to prepare delicious autumn beef stews, or baked apple dishes.  Soon, my menus will shift from light summery salads to autumn produce.  One of my favorites at this time are sweet potatoes that I have just become acquainted with recently.  After finding out how much healthier sweet potatoes are compared to white potatoes, I tried to serve them with some regularity last year, as a side dish like chipotle sweet potatoes, or as a base for spicy toppings, they are really delicious.

I also enjoy putting sweet potatoes together with other savory flavors.  This chili melds sweet with hot and the earthy taste of black beans.  Sometimes I make the vegetarian version, and sometimes I add 1/2 pound of ground turkey or grass-fed beef.  Don’t forget the cocoa, the secret ingredient. I serve this over brown rice and garnish with green onions. And don’t tell anyone it’s healthy and frugal, they don’t need to know.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

1 onion, chopped
1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
1 T olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced into medium chunks
1/2 pound ground beef, or turkey (optional)
2 cans (16 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (16 oz.) fire roasted, diced tomatoes
1 1/2 T medium or mild chili powder
1/2 t cocoa (unsweetened)
1 t cumin
1/2 t chipotle powder
1 cup low-sodium stock (I use beef)
green onions, sliced

In a large pan, brown ground beef in olive oil if using, drain; then add onion and red pepper and saute over medium-high heat olive oil until onion is translucent.  Add garlic cloves, sweet potato and stir, cook for about 5 minutes to brown the sweet potato cubes slightly.  Add dry spices and saute for another 2-3 minutes.  Then add black beans, tomatoes, and stock. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes. Serve over brown rice with green onions sprinkled on top.

shared at $5 Dinners, Pennywise Platter, Food Renegade, Grocery Cart Challenge, and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday