Sweet Potato Chili

As the weather cools, the colors change and comfort foods take the stage, this is a great recipe to make & share! The fall colors put it in theme, and make it a perfect Food Tidings meal that delivers a warm hug, as spicy as you'd like to make it.

Fall goodness! Source: Giadzy.com - Sweet Potato Chili

"Two kinds of beans make this veggie-rich chili taste meaty even though it only uses ½ pound of ground beef. It's both economical and lower in fat—and a lot zestier, thanks to three kinds of chiles—than your usual pot of red." - Giadzy.com

For a family that needs it a little less spicy, feel free to omit or reduce the jalapeño or chipotle in adobe.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• ½ pound ground sirloin

• 1 red onion (diced)

• 2 carrots (peeled and chopped)

• 2 celery stalks (chopped)

• 3 cloves garlic (chopped)

• 1 yellow pepper (seeded and diced)

• 1 jalapeno (seeded and diced)

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 chipotle in adobo (chopped, with 2 teaspoons)

• adobo

• 1 cup beer (such as pale ale)

• 1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes

• 1 cup unsalted chicken broth

• 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and

• rinsed

• 1 sweet potato (peeled and cut in 1/2 inch dice)

• Cooked orzo (optional)

• Grated white cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the oil and meat to the pan and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the meat is cooked and beginning to brown.

2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, pepper, and jalapeno to the pan. Cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, for about 4 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, chipotle, and adobo. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices. Deglaze the pan with the beer and simmer until the liquid is reduced and almost completely evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and chicken broth and stir to combine, breaking up the tomatoes with the back of the spoon.

4. Stir in the beans and sweet potato and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium low to maintain a simmer and cover with a lid. Simmer the chili for 20 minutes, then uncover the pan and simmer until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes longer. Served over orzo and/or topped with cheddar cheese if desired.

Source: Giadzy's Sweet Potato Chili

While Chili can be a whole meal and enough by itself, as a Food Tidings meal gift you can dress it up or balance out the heartiness or spiciness with a side of crackers, salad, refreshing drinks and/or sweet dessert. A pumpkin roll or cookie would top off the fall theme, for sure!

Know a family or friend that could use a few extra "meal hugs"?

Organizing a Food Tidings' meal schedule is a practical and caring way to show your support and give encouragement.

Our free online tool loves helping you help others!

Rally the Food Tidings Meal Hugs