Classic Mexican chili is one of the greatest culinary inventions for cold days—it warms you up, keeps you full, and brings people together around the table. Its magic lies in its incredible adaptability; it is equally delicious made with meat or entirely with vegetables.
Today, we chalange you to step outside the traditional box and try our phenomenal plant-based version: Mexican Chili with Sweet Potatoes. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato is perfectly balanced by the smoky character and fiery kick of the Mexican spices in our kit. The flavor is rich and the dish is fulfilling. You absolutely have to try it! :)
Culinary History: The Journey of the Sweet Potato
Despite its name, the sweet potato has nothing in common with the regular potato—they belong to completely different botanical families! While the common potato is a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), the sweet potato is a proud representative of the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae).
- Ancient American Roots: The sweet potato is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. Archaeological findings in Peru show that sweet potatoes were cultivated and highly prized by local people more than 8,000 years ago.
- A Global Voyage: Christopher Columbus first encountered this sweet root during his expeditions in the Caribbean and brought it back to Europe, where it immediately won over royal courts. Today, it is loved worldwide, serving as a perfect culinary bridge between sweet and savory flavors.
Why Sweet Potatoes Are a True Superfood
Beyond bringing an incredible balance of flavors to our Mexican chili, sweet potatoes offer fantastic health benefits:
- Packed with Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A): The bright orange color of sweet potatoes is a clear indicator of their massive beta-carotene content—a powerful antioxidant that the body converts into Vitamin A. This is crucial for vision, healthy skin, and robust immune function.
- Low Glycemic Index: Unlike regular white potatoes, sweet potatoes are loaded with complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. They are digested slowly, preventing sudden blood sugar spikes and providing long-lasting, steady energy.
- Abundant in Vitamin C and Potassium: A single medium-sized sweet potato can supply a large portion of your daily Vitamin C needs and serves as an excellent source of potassium, which supports heart health and muscle function.
INGREDIENTS:
- 750г – 1 kg sweet potatoes
- Chili con Carne spice kit
- 1 onion (100g)
- 5-6 garlic cloves
- 400g tomatoes
- 250ml stock
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 fresh or 4 roasted red bell peppers
- 2 cans (400 g each) red kidney beans
- 6 tbsp. olive oil
- 1-2 fresh chillies (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnishing)
- salt
PREPARATION:
- Preheat oven to 200C.
- Wash well the sweet potatoes and pat them dry. Cut into relatively equal bite-size pieces.
- Finely chop onion, garlic and chilies (if using).
- Cut into bite-size pieces the red peppers.
COOKING:
- Lay the sweet potatoes on a tray and bake 25 minutes in the already preheated oven. When ready leave aside till you need them.
- Heat 6 tbsp oil on medium.
- Add contents of package # 1 and cook for 30-60 seconds.
- Add the chopped onion with a pinch of salt and cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the garlic and chilies (if using) and cook 1 minute.
- Stir in the contents of package # 2 and package Chili (optional).
- Add the tomato puree, mix well and 2-3 minutes later add 250ml of vegetable broth, 400ml tomatoes, red peppers, 2 cans of beans, salt and water if needed.
- Allow it to boil, cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- Add the baked potatoes and mix.
- Finally garnish with fresh coriander (optional).
- Serve with guacamole and basmati rice.
See How We Made It
To guarantee perfect results in your kitchen, we highly recommend watching our detailed video guide before you begin: