Chipotle Quinoa Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili 

Total Time: 40 mins
Serves: 6

Ingredients

For the chili:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• pinch nutmeg
• 1 (15 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 3 cups vegetable broth, plus more to thin if desired
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

For the smoked chipotle yogurt sauce:

• 1 cup plain greek yogurt 
• 1-2 tsps adobo sauce from the can, plus more if you really like a little heat
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 tsp dijon mustard

To garnish:

• Cilantro
• Sliced ripe avocado
• Shredded cheddar

Instructions

1. Add olive oil to a pot and place over medium heat. Once oil is hot, add the onion, carrots and garlic; cook for 5 minutes or until onions become translucent. Then stir in the chopped chipotles, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.
2. Next stir in the sweet potato cubes, fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, quinoa, vegetable broth and salt. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt if desired. You can also add more chopped chipotle peppers or adobo sauce if you want it spicier.
3. Make the smoked chipotle yogurt: add yogurt, adobo sauce, honey, and dijon mustard in a medium bowl; stir to combine. Taste and adjust as necessary. Add more honey if you want it sweeter, or add more adobo sauce if you’d like it spicier!
4. Spoon chili into bowls and add yogurt sauce on top. Garnish with cheddar cheese, avocado, and cilantro if you’d like!

Why We Recommend This Recipe:

1. High in Fiber

• Ingredients like black beans, quinoa, carrots, and sweet potatoes provide a great source of dietary fiber. Fiber helps with digestion, supports heart health, and helps manage cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

2. Plant-Based Protein

• Black beans and quinoa are excellent sources of plant-based protein. Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making this dish ideal for vegetarians or anyone trying to reduce meat consumption.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Spices

• The recipe includes turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Turmeric, in particular, contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that may support heart health and reduce blood pressure.

4. Heart-Healthy Fats

• The use of olive oil and avocado provides monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol and support overall heart health.

5. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

• Sweet potatoes offer potassium and beta-carotene, both beneficial for heart health.
• Greek yogurt in the sauce is a good source of calcium and protein, while carrots and tomatoes offer antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene.

7. Balanced Meal

• This recipe combines protein, fiber, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, offering sustained energy and making it a satisfying, well-rounded meal.

Overall, this dish offers heart-friendly, nutrient-dense ingredients that support overall well-being while being flavorful and satisfying!

Recipe by Ambitious Kitchen