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Sweet Potato and Frijoles Negros Chili

The cold snowy weather and a surplus of sweet potatoes were the inspiration behind this hearty winter meal. I wasn’t sure how this was going to turn out and worried that the sweet potatoes would turn to mush. Instead it was such a success and even after reheating several times the sweet potatoes remained firm. This is day three of eating this chili and my mouth continues to water for it. If you are looking for something a little different then the standard kidney bean chili this recipe will not disappoint.

The cornbread was a wonderful addition to the meal and also completely whole food, plant based, no salt, oil or sugar. This will be a separate post.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili with healthy cornbread

Ingredients

  • 1 large sweet onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 sweet potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 4oz. can chopped green chilis mild; drained & rinsed
  • 1 can no or low sodium black beans drained & rinsed
  • 2 14.5 oz. cans diced and no salt added tomatoes (I get mine at Trader Joe’s)
  • 2 cups low sodium or whole made vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp. ground black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

  1. Sauté the onions and garlic in 1/4 cup water for 3-4 minutes until soft
  2. Add the sweet potatoes and bell pepper cooking for another 5 minutes
  3. Stir in the green chilis, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne and black pepper and cook for one minute
  4. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes (including juice), vegetable broth and tomato paste and stir well
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes (or until the sweet potatoes are tender)
  6. Serve with fresh cilantro
Completely healthy, flavorful, hearty and will warm you up on the coldest winter day

Controlling Your Life

Life is not easy. In fact, it can be a real struggle. It is not a paint by number exercise, a game of Candy Land or a stroll in the park by any means. More often then not it seems like a game of Battleship, a complicated jigsaw puzzle or solving a scrambled up Rubik’s cube.

Life is full of circumstances, predicaments, obstacles, challenges, conflicts, uncertainties, blindspots, roadblocks, dead ends and unexpected twists and turns.

Life is some downhill but mostly uphill. Some downstream but mostly upstream. Some win but also lose. Some fortune but also misfortune.

There are so many things in life beyond our control but there are also many things we do have control over. We have control over our attitude, gratitude, thoughts, opinions, beliefs and feelings. We also have control over the kinds of foods we eat, the amount of sleep we get, the degree of mental and physical exercise we engage in, the company we keep, the limits we set and the routines we establish. Focusing on what we can control makes life seem less of a struggle, less overwhelming, more fulfilled and more joyous.

Surround your life with people you love, believe in yourself and make you your number one priority. I wish everyone a healthy and happy 2022. In the best of health – Diana

Fresh Ginger Root and Orange Detox Tea