Introduction
This delicious recipe features a delightful combination of sweet potatoes, beef meatballs, and black beans, all enhanced with smoky paprika and a kick of heat from fresh chili. It’s not only packed with flavor but also offers a vibrant mix of textures that will excite your taste buds. Easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 sweet potato (250g)
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
Olive oil
1 x 400g tin of black beans
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 fresh red chilli
½ a bunch of coriander (15g)
250g higher-welfare beef mince
1 lime
200g ripe cherry tomatoes
Chipotle chilli sauce
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Enjoy a hearty meal that beautifully combines nutritious ingredients and bold flavors!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato
Wash the sweet potato thoroughly and chop it into 2cm chunks. In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato chunks with 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Toss well to ensure the sweet potato is evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potato in the Air Fryer
Remove the shelf from the air-fryer drawer. Pour the black beans (including their juice) into the drawer, then add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, and season generously with salt and pepper. Replace the shelf, placing the seasoned sweet potato chunks on top. Cook in the air fryer at 180ºC for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Finely chop the fresh red chilli, removing the seeds if preferred. Also, chop the majority of the coriander, including the stalks, while reserving a few leaves for garnish. In the bowl used for the sweet potato, combine the chopped chilli and coriander with the remaining teaspoon of cumin seeds, 250g of beef mince, and the finely grated zest of half a lime. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, and mix thoroughly with clean hands.
Step 4: Form and Cook the Meatballs
Divide the meat mixture into 10 equal-sized balls. Add the formed meatballs to the air-fryer drawer along with 200g of ripe cherry tomatoes, ensuring they are arranged in an even layer. Cook everything in the air fryer at 180ºC for an additional 10 minutes, shaking the drawer halfway through the cooking time until the meatballs are lightly golden and fully cooked.
Step 5: Prepare the Black Beans
Once the meatballs, sweet potato, and tomatoes are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and set aside. Take out the shelf from the air-fryer drawer. Squeeze half of the lime juice into the black beans, add a few shakes of chipotle chilli sauce, and mash half of the beans to create a creamier texture.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Divide the mashed black beans across serving plates. Top each plate with the cooked meatballs, sweet potato chunks, and roasted cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle the reserved coriander leaves on top. Serve with lime wedges and additional chipotle chilli sauce on the side, if desired.
Notes
Sweet Potato Sizing
Ensure that the sweet potato chunks are of uniform size (2cm) to promote even cooking.
Air Fryer Cooking
Cooking times may vary slightly based on the specific air fryer model; adjust as necessary to achieve the desired doneness for the meatballs and sweet potato.
Bean Consistency
Adjust the amount of beans you mash based on your texture preference—more mashing for a creamier bean topping or less for a chunkier texture.
Garnish Options
Feel free to add extra toppings such as avocado slices, cheese, or sour cream for added flavor and creaminess.
Cook techniques
Preparing Sweet Potato
Wash the sweet potato thoroughly to remove any dirt. Chop it into 2cm chunks for even cooking. Toss with smoked paprika, olive oil, and seasoning to enhance flavor.
Using the Air Fryer
Remove the shelf from the air-fryer drawer for easy access. Place the black beans in the drawer with their juice and season with cumin seeds. Layer the sweet potato on top and cook at 180ºC for 15 minutes for a crispy texture.
Chopping and Mixing Ingredients
Finely chop the red chilli and most of the coriander, including the stalks. Combine these with the beef mince, remaining cumin seeds, and lime zest to create a well-seasoned mixture for the meatballs.
Forming Meatballs
Divide the beef mixture into 10 equal-sized balls using your hands. This ensures uniform cooking and portion control.
Cooking Meatballs with Vegetables
Add the meatballs to the air-fryer along with cherry tomatoes. Cooking at 180ºC for 10 minutes will give them a golden finish. Shake halfway through for even cooking.
Preparing Mashed Beans
After cooking, carefully remove the black beans from the air fryer. Squeeze lime juice and add chipotle chilli sauce for flavor, then mash half of the beans for a creamy texture.
Plating the Dish
Divide the mashed black beans on serving plates, then top with meatballs, roasted sweet potato, and cherry tomatoes. Garnish with reserved coriander leaves and serve with lime wedges and extra chipotle sauce.
FAQ
Can I substitute sweet potatoes with other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, but cooking times may vary.
How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
You can deseed the red chilli or reduce the amount of chipotle chilli sauce to control the spiciness.
Is there a vegetarian option for the meatballs?
You can replace the beef mince with a plant-based meat alternative or use lentils for a vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture and sweet potato ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
What can I serve this dish with?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
This hearty and flavorful dish combines the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, the smokiness of paprika, and the spice of fresh chili, culminating in a delightful balance of textures and tastes. The black beans provide a nutritious base, while the beef meatballs add protein and richness. This meal is not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile, allowing for various modifications based on personal preferences.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Try substituting the beef mince with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Incorporate additional veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, to boost the nutritional content and add color to the dish.
More recipes suggestions and combination
For a vegetarian alternative, use lentils or chickpeas in place of beef mince, keeping the spices to maintain flavor.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Serve the meal with a side of homemade guacamole or avocado slices for creaminess and extra flavor.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Experiment with different spices like coriander or chili powder to give the dish a unique twist.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for a tangy and creamy finish.
