Introduction
This hearty and flavorful dish combines sweet potatoes, beans, and spices to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet, smoky, and savory elements ensures a delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to please.
Detailed Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes: 6 sweet potatoes (250g each)
Olive Oil: A splash for sautéing
Cumin Seeds: 1 teaspoon
Chipotle Chilli Paste: 1 x 95g jar
Mixed Vegetables: 500g fresh or frozen chopped onion, carrot, and celery
Coriander: ½ a bunch (15g), stalks and leaves separated
Black Beans: 3 x 400g tins, drained
Plum Tomatoes: 3 x 400g tins, crushed by hand
Feta Cheese: 60g, for garnish
Prep Time
Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Enjoy this delicious and vibrant dish that celebrates the flavors of sweet potatoes, spices, and fresh ingredients, topped with creamy feta for an added touch. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Place a large deep casserole pan on medium-high heat.
Step 3: Peel and Add Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and add them to the pan.
Step 4: Add Olive Oil
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and fry the sweet potatoes for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they start to turn golden.
Step 5: Add Cumin Seeds
Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the pan, add the cumin seeds, and let them sizzle.
Step 6: Stir in Chipotle Paste
Stir in the chipotle chilli paste and add two jars’ worth of water.
Step 7: Incorporate Mixed Vegetables
Add the chopped mixed vegetables into the pan.
Step 8: Prepare Coriander
Finely chop the coriander stalks (reserving the leaves) and add them to the pan.
Step 9: Bake the Mixture
Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 1 hour.
Step 10: Add Black Beans
Remove the pan from the oven and add the black beans, including their juice.
Step 11: Add Plum Tomatoes
Add the plum tomatoes, crushing them with your hands, along with one tin’s worth of water.
Step 12: Stir and Return to Oven
Stir the mixture well and return the pan to the oven.
Step 13: Final Roasting
Roast for another hour, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Step 14: Season
Season the dish to taste.
Step 15: Serve with Feta and Coriander
If serving immediately, crumble the feta cheese over the top and scatter the reserved coriander leaves before serving.
Notes
Tip for Sweet Potatoes
Choose sweet potatoes that are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Storage Information
This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Vegan Option
To make the dish vegan, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Spice Level Adjustment
Adjust the amount of chipotle chilli paste to control the spice level according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with rice or quinoa, and can be garnished with additional fresh herbs for added flavor.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven ensures that the temperature is consistent throughout cooking, allowing your dish to cook evenly.
Frying Sweet Potatoes
Frying sweet potatoes before baking adds a delightful golden color and enhances their flavor, creating a caramelized texture.
Sizzling Spices
Adding cumin seeds to hot oil brings out their essential oils, intensifying the flavor profile of the dish.
Layering Ingredients
Layering ingredients, like adding vegetables and beans separately, helps to maintain their distinct textures and flavors during the cooking process.
Crushing Tomatoes by Hand
Crushing tomatoes by hand allows for a more rustic texture and ensures that the juices incorporate well into the dish.
Baking Techniques
Baking the casserole at a steady temperature allows the flavors to meld and the sweet potatoes to become tender over time.
Seasoning to Taste
Tasting and adjusting the seasoning at the end of cooking ensures that the dish has a balanced flavor that suits your personal preference.
Crumbling Feta Cheese
Crumbling feta cheese just before serving provides a fresh, creamy contrast to the warm casserole, enhancing the overall presentation and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use different vegetables instead of mixed onion, carrot, and celery?
Yes, you can substitute with any vegetables you prefer, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional; the skin is nutritious, and leaving it on can add texture to the dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it in the oven before serving.
What if I don’t have chipotle chili paste?
You can substitute it with another chili paste or add smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian; just ensure all your ingredient choices align with that dietary requirement.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
You can use goat cheese, ricotta, or omit the cheese altogether for a dairy-free option.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, the dish freezes well; just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with a fresh salad, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This hearty sweet potato and black bean dish, enriched with the warmth of cumin and the smoky kick of chipotle, is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The oven roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, while the addition of black beans and tomatoes creates a satisfying, wholesome meal. Topped with feta cheese and fresh coriander, it’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Use the same filling from the dish to create tacos by wrapping the mixture in corn or flour tortillas. Top with fresh avocado and additional feta for a delightful twist.
Chipotle Sweet Potato Soup
Blend the roasted sweet potato and black bean mixture with vegetable stock to create a creamy soup. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of coriander.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the sweet potato and bean mixture as a filling for bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender, and top with feta cheese before serving.
Sweet Potato and Bean Salad
Combine cooled roast sweet potatoes and black beans with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
Vegetarian Chili
Add extra spices such as oregano and a dash of cinnamon to the sweet potato and black bean mixture, and simmer it for a while to create a rich vegetarian chili.
