Vegan Sweet potato & lentil chili

Servings

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

45 minutes

Good For:

Dinner

Warm and inviting bowl of sweet potato and black bean chili, garnished with fresh cilantro, scallions, and a dollop of sour cream, on rustic wooden table

Health Benefits:

Lentils are one of the healthiest food sources for folate, also known as Vitamin B9. Folate is critical for healthy reproduction, supports a healthy nervous system and cardiovascular system, and is necessary for red blood cell production. Several epidemiological studies have suggested an inverse association between folate status and the risk of colorectal, lung, pancreatic, esophageal, stomach, cervical, ovarian, breast and other cancers (NIH, n.d.).

Sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients. The most abundant is Vitamin A, which is essential for vision and growth. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of fiber. Increasing fiber in the diet can help decrease the risk of developing certain cancers and type 2 diabetes, and can help reduce blood cholesterol levels.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 bell peppers, diced
3 sweet potatoes, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups vegetable broth
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilis
2 cups steamed lentils
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium high heat.

Step 2

Add onion and bell peppers. Stirring occasionally, cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3

Add sweet potatoes and garlic. Stirring occasionally, cook until potatoes begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, lentils, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper, to taste.

Step 5

Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 30 minutes.

Step 6

Serve immediately.