Sweet Potato Chili Fries
Introduction:
Indulge in the perfect fusion of sweet and savory with these Sweet Potato Chili Fries. Combining the rich, caramelized sweetness of roasted sweet potato wedges with the bold flavors of a quick and easy veggie chili, this dish is a delightful twist on classic comfort food. Topped with a vibrant red cabbage slaw and optional Greek yogurt sauce, these fries are not only delicious but also a visual treat, making them ideal for game day or any festive gathering.
Ingredients:
Veggie Chili (makes extra):
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- Take 1 (14-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 chipotle peppers from canned chipotles in adobo, diced, plus 3 tablespoons sauce*
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- Take 1 tablespoon lime juice, plus wedges for serving
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup water, if needed
Sweet Potatoes:
- 3 to 4 small sweet potatoes, sliced into wedges
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Red Cabbage Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- ½ tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro, more for garnish
- ½ teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Yogurt Sauce (optional, skip if vegan):
- ½ cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Take ½ tablespoon lime juice
Toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Sliced jalapeño (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Chili:
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, a few pinches of salt and pepper, and stir. Cook until the onion is slightly translucent, then add the garlic and green pepper. Stir and cook until soft (5 to 8 minutes), turning the heat down as needed.
- Add the tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, chipotles, adobo sauce, corn, salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the chili becomes too thick, add water as needed.
- Stir in the lime juice and season to taste with more salt and pepper, as desired.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
- Arrange the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 35 minutes or until browned around the edges.
4. Make the Slaw:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and pinches of salt and pepper. Season to taste and set aside.
5. Make the Yogurt Sauce (optional):
- In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
6. Assemble:
- Layer sweet potato wedges and a scoop of chili on a plate.
- Top with the slaw, diced avocado, sliced jalapeño, and yogurt sauce if using.
- Serve with lime wedges and garnish with cilantro.
Notes:
- *Chipotle peppers can vary in spice level. Adjust according to your preference.
- If the chili is too spicy, balance it with more lime juice and a bit of olive oil.
Conclusion:
These Sweet Potato Chili Fries offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them a standout dish for fall and winter nights. Whether you’re craving a unique dinner or planning a festive gathering, these fries are sure to be a hit. With the make-ahead options for the chili and slaw, it’s a convenient and visually appealing choice that brings together the warmth of roasted sweet potatoes and the boldness of chili. Enjoy the deliciousness!