Sweet Potato Lentil Chili

prep time:: 15 minutes
total time:: 50 minutes

A great vegetarian stew makes this a true comfort food. Lentils are a great source of fibre, iron and protein and are rich in folate and magnesium. And they’re easy to prepare.. not need to soak - just rinse and you’re ready to go!

ingredients

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 3/4 c. onions, diced
1 c. celery diced
2 - 2 1/2 c orange fleshed sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in 1 inch cubes
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp sea salt
Ground black pepper to taste
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper/chili flakes (optional)
1 1/4 c. dry red lentils
2 1/2 c. water
1 x 28oz can crushed tomatoes
1 x 14oz can black or kidney beans
1 bay leaf
3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 c. fresh chopped cilantro (optional)

directions

1
1. In large pot on med. heat, add oil, onions, celery, sweet potatotes, garlic, salt, pepper and spices and stir through. Cover and cook for 6 to 8 minutes.
2
2. Rinse lentils. Add to pot with water, tomatoes, beans and bay leaf and stir to combine.
3
3. Increase heat and bring to boil.
4
4. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until sweet potatoes are softened, stirring occasionally. Stir in lime juice and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
5
Serve with Indian naan bread for a complete meal.

notes

Sweet potatoes can range in colour from light yellow to dark orange. Most of what you find in our local grocery stores are different varieties of sweet potatoes.

Source: Anne Greenwell