Black Bean, Sweet Potato, Stout Chili

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili
A kinda, sorta, recipe…Created by GDD,RD,LD
12/19/11

Ingredients:

3 cans Frijoles Negros (don’t drain)
3 large or 4 medium sweet potatoes (pealed/cut into 1” cubes)
2 Bell Peppers (chopped)
2 fresh jalapeño peppers (seeds removed and diced fine)
2 onions (chopped)
5-7 cloves garlic (diced)
2 (14oz) cans diced tomatoes
2 canned chipotle chili peppers in adobo sauce (1/2 small can)
1 bottle Stout type beer (dark beer)
1/4c olive oil

Spices/Seasonings:

Salt/pepper (to taste)
2 Tbs. Ground cumin
½ tsp. Chipotle Chili powder (be careful this is “hot”)
2 tsp. Dry Mustard
1 Tbs. Smoked Paprika
2 Tbs. “Chili” powder blend
1 bay leaf
2 Tbs. Dry parsley
1 tsp. Dry oregano


Directions:

-Chop all fresh vegetables.
-Heat a large, heavy bottom (enameled Dutch oven preferred) pot.
-Add olive oil to hot pot and let heat but not burn
-Add onions and peppers to pot and sauté on high 5 min (don’t burn), season with salt/pepper
-Add garlic and spices/seasonings to pot and cook 5 min. (on medium heat)
-Add beer to pot and turn heat up to high 5 min., scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
-Add sweet potatoes to the pot, stir and cook 5 min (med heat)
-Add black beans, and diced tomatoes to pot. (allow to come back to simmer and then turn heat down to low)
-Taste for correct seasoning. If bland add salt first and if needed, more cumin/chili powder
-If not “hot” enough, add small amount more Chipotle Chili powder
-Allow chili to cook on Low heat for 1 hr. Stir frequently to make sure it doesn’t burn on the bottom. It’s done when it is thickened and the sweet potatoes are soft.
-If it becomes too thick, add water to thin out as needed. Chili will continue to thicken as it sits even after cooking.

Serving Suggestion:

Awesome served with some home-made corn bread, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and the “left-over” dark beer!!

Cheers!!


**Notes** The ingredients are up for interpretation and substitution in the hands of a skilled professional only. Or, anyone who feels like it! 