Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili
Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili is a hearty, plant-based dish combining the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with protein-packed quinoa, beans, and a blend of warm spices. This nutrient-dense chili is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, offering a flavorful and wholesome twist on classic chili that’s vegan, gluten-free, and adaptable to your taste preferences.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Grains and Legumes
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Diced jalapeños or pinch of cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
- Avocado crema or shredded vegan cheese
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic to ensure even cooking and full flavor release.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in chili powder, cumin, and any additional preferred spices, toasting them briefly in the oil. Pour in the diced tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Incorporate Sweet Potatoes and Quinoa: Add the cubed sweet potatoes and rinsed quinoa to the pot, stirring well to combine with the tomato and spice mixture.
- Pour in Broth and Beans: Add the vegetable broth and drained beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently until the sweet potatoes are tender and quinoa is cooked, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chili and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness and ensure a delicate texture.
- Cut sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes so they cook evenly.
- Toast spices before adding liquids to maximize aroma and flavor.
- Avoid overcooking quinoa; it should be fluffy, not mushy.
- Adjust chili thickness by adding more broth for a soupier consistency or simmer uncovered to thicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sweet potato chili, quinoa chili, plant-based chili, vegan chili, gluten-free chili, healthy chili, hearty chili