I discovered this Sweet Potato And Lentil Chili and it completely transformed my dinner routine. Every bite bursts with a surprising blend of vibrant vegetables and rich spices that turn a simple slow cooker dish into a flavorful journey. The mix of hearty ingredients invites creativity and a delightful twist to my everyday meals.

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I recently tried out a new twist on chili that caught my attention right away. I tossed together diced onion, garlic and plenty of cubed sweet potatoes with a splash of bold chili powder, cumin and smoked paprika in the slow cooker.

I love how the aroma fills the house as it simmers all day long. When I added in a can of diced tomatoes and lentils, the whole pot turned into an inviting mix that reminds me of some of the best vegan slow cooker recipes I’ve come across.

Its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture made this lentil sweet potato chili a perfect choice for a quick meal later on. I even added a squeeze of lime at the end to really bring out the flavors.

This dish is well suited for anyone looking for a hearty yet simple recipe without relying on beans and extra fuss. Enjoy this amazing dish knowing leftovers work great for lunch or dinner.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it makes my life so much easier. In the morning i just throw in all my veggies and lentils into the slow cooker and by the time i get home its all done and smells amazing. I also love that its packed with healthy stuff like sweet potatoes and carrots, and the spices give it a warm, comforting flavor that makes me feel cozy. Plus, the extra splash of lime at the end really brings it all together for a tasty kick. Lastly, i appreciate that i can have leftovers the next day which saves me time and hassle later on.

Ingredients

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Sweet Potato: Provides healthy carbohydrates, fiber, and a naturally sweet, earthy flavor for nourishment.
Lentils: Rich in protein and fiber, adding a hearty, filling texture and earthiness.
Onion: Offers savory depth, natural sweetness, plus antioxidants enhancing the overall complexity.
Garlic: Delivers aromatic spice and boosts immune support while elevating flavor.
Bell Pepper: Adds crunch, vitamins and a mildly sweet, refreshing taste with brightness.
Tomatoes: Offer tangy acidity, moisture, and vitamin C for a balanced flavor punch.
Vegetable Broth: Unifies ingredients and boosts nutrients in every hearty spoonful of warmth.
Carrots: Supply sweetness, crunch, and beta-carotene for extra nutrition and color.

Ingredient Quantities

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 carrots, chopped into bite-size pieces

1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped

1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

3 cups vegetable broth

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Juice from 1 lime for brightness

How to Make this

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1. Start by dicing 1 large onion, mincing 3 cloves of garlic, peeling and cubing 2 medium sweet potatoes, chopping 2 carrots into bite size pieces, and roughly chopping 1 red bell pepper.

2. Dump all these veggies into your slow cooker.

3. Rinse 1 cup of dried green or brown lentils and add them in too.

4. Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes (1
4.5 oz) along with 2 tbsp tomato paste and 3 cups of vegetable broth.

5. Sprinkle 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper over the top then add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Give everything a good stir to mix all the flavors together.

7. Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

8. Once done, check to make sure the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.

9. Stir in the juice from 1 lime for some extra brightness and adjust the seasoning if needed.

10. Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm, or store the leftovers for an even tastier lunch the next day!

Equipment Needed

1. Chef’s knife for dicing, mincing, peeling and chopping
2. Cutting board for safely handling all your veggies
3. Vegetable peeler to peel the sweet potatoes
4. Slow cooker where the recipe is cooked
5. Measuring cups and spoons to accurately add lentils, broth, and spices
6. Can opener for opening the diced tomatoes
7. Large mixing spoon to stir all the ingredients together
8. Ladle for serving warm bowls of your stew

FAQ

Can I adjust the spice levels for this chili?

Yup, you can lessen or amp up the heat by reducing or adding more cayenne pepper. Its all about what tickles your taste buds.

How long does it usually take to cook?

It should take around 30 to 40 minutes of simmering once everyone is in the pot.

Do I need to pre-soak the lentils before adding them?

No, dried lentils work just fine without soaking. They cook evenly and still keep a good texture.

Can I prep this chili ahead of time?

Sure thing, it actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors meld together.

What do you suggest serving it with?

I like to serve it over rice or with some crusty bread. A squeeze of lime really adds brightness at the end.

Lentil Sweet Potato Chili Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of 1 large diced onion, try using 1 large shallot chopped up for a milder flavor.
If you don’t have 3 cloves of garlic, you can use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder instead.
Not a fan of sweet potatoes? Peel and cube 2 cups of butternut squash for a similar texture.
If you’re out of vegetable broth, mix 3 cups of water with a veggie bouillon cube. It works just fine!
Don’t have carrots on hand? Chopped parsnips make a good substitute in this chili.

Pro Tips

1. Try sautéeing the onions and garlic in a little oil for a few minutes before tossing them into the slow cooker; it can really bring out a richer flavour in your dish.
2. Toast the spices in a dry pan for about a minute until they start smelling nutty – it gives extra depth to the taste without much extra work.
3. Give the lentils a stir about halfway thru the cooking time since some slow cookers can heat unevenly and you dont want them to be undercooked.
4. If you like a thicker, stew-like feel, try mashing a few of the sweet potatoes or even blend a part of the soup up a bit then mix it back in; its a simple hack that makes the meal sooo much heartier.