On a chilly evening when the world outside feels just a little too brisk, there’s something magical about curling up with a hearty dish that warms you from the inside out. Sweet potatoes, with their natural sweetness and vibrant orange hue, find a perfect partner in a robust turkey chili—it’s like a culinary hug. This recipe is one of those where the delightful contrast between the spicy, savory chili and the creamy, sweet potatoes creates a dance of flavors that seem to whisper comfort with every bite.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Thoroughly wash four small sweet potatoes and pierce their skins multiple times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet or dish and bake for about 60 minutes until soft and oozing juices.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, start the chili. In a large pot, cook 1/2 lb. ground turkey with 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Dice a yellow onion and mince two cloves of garlic; add these to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Drain a 15oz can of black beans and add them to the pot with a 15oz can of diced tomatoes (including juices), 3oz tomato paste, 1 Tbsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp each of oregano and cumin, and 1 cup water. Stir everything together.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook slowly until the sweet potatoes are done, stirring occasionally. Taste and add about 1/2 tsp salt as needed.
- Once the sweet potatoes are tender, make a lengthwise cut on each one and gently mash the inside. Spoon roughly 3/4 cup of turkey chili onto each sweet potato.
- Sprinkle each potato with 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese and place them back in the oven briefly to melt the cheese.
- Before serving, garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground turkey
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, including juices
- 3 ounces tomato paste (half of a 6-ounce can)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 4 small sweet potatoes (approximately 3/4 pound each)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cilantro or green onions for garnish
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2442.52 kcal | Carbohydrates: 344.4 g | Protein: 100.92 g | Fat: 72.32 g | Sodium: 3623 mg | Fiber: 71.32 g
FAQ
- Can I substitute the turkey with another protein?
- Yes, you can replace the turkey with beef or any other preferred protein. The chili recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust the protein, spice level, or even add unique ingredients like cocoa powder.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- To make a vegetarian version, replace the 1/2 pound of ground turkey with an additional can of black or kidney beans. This will create a delicious vegetarian chili to complement your sweet potatoes.
- What is the best way to meal prep the stuffed sweet potatoes?
- Once you’ve assembled the sweet potatoes with chili and cheese, store each in a separate, microwave-safe container. To reheat, microwave on high for about 2 minutes or until thoroughly warmed.
- What other toppings can I use for the chili-smothered sweet potatoes?
- You can get creative with toppings! Some suggestions include sour cream, pickled jalapeños, pickled red onions, crushed tortilla chips, bacon bits, cilantro, avocado, lime crema, or diced onions.
- What makes sweet potatoes and turkey chili a good combination?
- The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with the smoky, spicy flavors of the turkey chili, creating a well-balanced, flavorful dish.
Tips
- Customize the Chili to Your Preference: Feel free to swap out the ground turkey for beef or make it vegetarian by using an extra can of beans. You can also adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of cayenne or adding ingredients like cocoa powder for a unique twist.
- Efficient Meal Prep: After assembling your chili-smothered sweet potatoes, store each in a microwave-safe container for easy reheating. Simply microwave on high for about 2 minutes when you’re ready to enjoy your meal.
- Experiment with Toppings: Enhance your dish by adding various toppings such as sour cream, pickled jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, or avocado. These additions can elevate the flavors and add a delightful texture.
- Ensure Perfectly Baked Sweet Potatoes: Before serving, check that your sweet potatoes are fully cooked by piercing them with a fork. They should be soft all the way through, with juices bubbling from the fork holes.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet or Baking Dish: Used for baking the sweet potatoes.
- Large Pot: Used for cooking the chili.
- Chef’s Knife: For dicing the onion and mincing garlic.
- Cutting Board: For preparing the vegetables.
- Liquid Measuring Cup: For measuring liquids like water or olive oil.
- Mixing Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the chili.
