Ahhh, chili. Is there anything more comforting, warm, and hearty on a cool fall evening? Sweet potato chili has become one of my go-to vegetarian (vegan!) dinners, and I make it many times throughout the colder months. I often like to cook a big meal on Sunday that will feed me 4-5 dinners throughout the week. It saves money and prevents me from stuffing my face with snacks when I get home at night, starving from a long day of work and classes. If I'm feeling particularly lazy on a Sunday, this meal is my fallback because it's delicious, warming, and so easy I can make it from memory. It has even become one of Ben's favorites, and he makes it on his own sometimes! (He may have also recently admitted to me that it is better than beef chili he ate a few weeks ago - Alex: 1 Beef: 0)
This one-pot wonder is bursting with flavor and nutrients, and will fill your kitchen with warmth and aroma as it simmers. After you make it the first time, you'll probably be able to make it from memory like I do, because it is a forgiving recipe with uncomplicated ingredients. I don't always add the same amount of spices, but the general combination is always robust and flavorful. A few recent additions (kale, cocoa powder) make me feel like I have really perfected this recipe, and I am excited to share with you! Next time you're tired (hungover) or just feeling lazy on a Sunday, throw these ingredients in a big pot and let it do all the work! It's the perfect curl-up-on-the couch-with-a-blanket-and-movie kind of meal.
P.S. I'm eating a bowl as I type this....I just can't stay away!
This one-pot wonder is bursting with flavor and nutrients, and will fill your kitchen with warmth and aroma as it simmers. After you make it the first time, you'll probably be able to make it from memory like I do, because it is a forgiving recipe with uncomplicated ingredients. I don't always add the same amount of spices, but the general combination is always robust and flavorful. A few recent additions (kale, cocoa powder) make me feel like I have really perfected this recipe, and I am excited to share with you! Next time you're tired (hungover) or just feeling lazy on a Sunday, throw these ingredients in a big pot and let it do all the work! It's the perfect curl-up-on-the couch-with-a-blanket-and-movie kind of meal.
P.S. I'm eating a bowl as I type this....I just can't stay away!
Sweet Potato Chili
(serves 5-6)
Ingredients:
1 medium white onion, diced
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled (if desired, I do not) and cubed into large chunks
1 large bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, sliced into medallions then halved
3 cups kale, destemmed and roughly chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
1 1/2 -2 tbsp chili powder
1/2 - 1 tbsp cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (more, if you like spicy chili)
1/2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 - 1 cup water (use more if you like a more broth-like consistency, less for a chunkier one)
1. Heat large soup pot on medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté about 5 minutes until translucent.
2. Add all vegetables besides kale, beans, diced tomatoes, spices, and water. Stir well to combine.
3. Cover pot, increase heat to a boil. Reduce to low-medium heat (a high simmer) and let cook, covered, for 30-50 minutes, until sweet potato is fork tender.
4. Add kale and cook an additional 3-5 minutes.
Serve warm. Great over quinoa or brown rice! This makes excellent leftovers - the flavors keep getting richer. I even think it tastes really good cold :-)
What are your lazy day meal ideas?
(serves 5-6)
Ingredients:
1 medium white onion, diced
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled (if desired, I do not) and cubed into large chunks
1 large bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, sliced into medallions then halved
3 cups kale, destemmed and roughly chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
1 1/2 -2 tbsp chili powder
1/2 - 1 tbsp cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (more, if you like spicy chili)
1/2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 - 1 cup water (use more if you like a more broth-like consistency, less for a chunkier one)
1. Heat large soup pot on medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté about 5 minutes until translucent.
2. Add all vegetables besides kale, beans, diced tomatoes, spices, and water. Stir well to combine.
3. Cover pot, increase heat to a boil. Reduce to low-medium heat (a high simmer) and let cook, covered, for 30-50 minutes, until sweet potato is fork tender.
4. Add kale and cook an additional 3-5 minutes.
Serve warm. Great over quinoa or brown rice! This makes excellent leftovers - the flavors keep getting richer. I even think it tastes really good cold :-)
What are your lazy day meal ideas?