Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that offers the perfect combination of warmth and richness, ideal for anyone looking for a wholesome, vegan-friendly, and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and full of nutritional goodness.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli

Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli is a comforting, plant-based dish inspired by traditional chili recipes but with a modern twist. It uses sweet potatoes as the base, which bring a natural sweetness and creamy texture to the dish.

Combined with a mix of hearty beans, spices, and vegetables, the chili is a perfect balance of savory, slightly spicy, and mildly sweet flavors. This dish is ideal for a cozy dinner and can be served with rice, tortillas, or bread for a filling meal.

The recipe emphasizes whole, natural ingredients that bring out the best of each element. It’s a flexible dish that can be customized based on dietary preferences, making it a popular choice for people looking to enjoy a flavorful meal while sticking to a plant-based or gluten-free diet.

Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Sweet Potatoes (about 2 medium-sized): These add a lovely creamy texture and natural sweetness.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
• Onion (1 large): A key base flavor for any chili, sautéed until softened and fragrant.
• Garlic (2 cloves): To enhance the savory depth of flavor.
• Red Bell Pepper (1): Adds a burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
• Chopped Tomatoes (1 can, about 400g): Provides the saucy base for the chili.
• Black Beans (1 can, drained and rinsed) and/or Kidney Beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): These are the hearty, protein-packed components that make the chili filling.
• Vegetable Stock (500ml): For added depth and richness in flavor.
• Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): A warm, earthy spice that is essential for chili.
• Ground Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds smokiness to the dish.
• Chili Flakes (optional, to taste): To adjust the level of spice according to preference.
• Fresh Coriander (a handful): For garnish and fresh herbal flavor.
• Lime (1, juiced): For a zesty touch at the end.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the dish.

Optional toppings could include avocado, Greek yogurt, or shredded cheese, depending on your dietary preferences.

Equipment Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli, the following kitchen equipment is necessary:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For sautéing and simmering the chili.
• Knife: To chop vegetables such as the onion, garlic, and sweet potatoes.
• Chopping Board: For safe and efficient vegetable prep.
• Wooden Spoon or Stirring Spoon: To mix the ingredients and ensure even cooking.
• Can Opener: To open the cans of tomatoes and beans.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Ladle: If serving in bowls, a ladle is helpful to portion out the chili.
• Grater (optional): For garnishing with cheese or zesting lime.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli?

1. Prep the Ingredients: Begin by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes into small cubes. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and open the cans of beans and tomatoes.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, around 3-4 minutes. Add the bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices: Toss in the diced sweet potatoes along with ground cumin, paprika, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well to coat everything in the spices, allowing the sweet potatoes to absorb the flavors.
4. Simmer with Tomatoes and Stock: Pour in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through.
5. Add Beans: Once the sweet potatoes are soft, add the black beans and kidney beans to the pot. Stir everything together and let the chili simmer for another 10 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and more chili flakes, depending on your spice tolerance.
6. Finish and Serve: Once the chili is thick and rich, remove from heat. Stir in the lime juice and top with fresh coriander. Serve the chili hot, garnished with any optional toppings like avocado or yogurt.

Expert Tips

1. Customize the Heat Level: Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli is adaptable to your spice preferences. For a milder version, reduce the chili flakes or omit them altogether. For extra heat, add more chili flakes or a chopped fresh chili pepper.
2. Use Different Beans: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto beans or chickpeas, for added texture and flavor.
3. Prep in Advance: This dish can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and develop over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
4. Add Greens: If you want to boost the nutrition, stir in some spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for a dose of extra greens.
5. Toppings Make It: Don’t skip the toppings! A dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or a sprinkle of cheese can elevate the dish and make it even more indulgent.

Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli is a vibrant, hearty dish that combines comforting flavors with a nourishing, plant-based approach. It’s simple to make, highly customizable, and perfect for serving up on chilly evenings or for meal prepping throughout the week.

The sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness, while the spices and beans create a satisfying and filling dish that is both nutritious and comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is a winner for any occasion.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli

Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli is a wonderfully hearty and healthy dish, but it’s also highly versatile, making it a great base for many variations. You can easily swap or add ingredients to customize the dish to your taste, dietary preferences, or whatever you have available in your pantry. Here are some easy recipe variations to spice up your next batch of sweet potato chilli:

1. Add Protein With Beans Or Meat

While the original recipe may focus on the earthy flavors of sweet potato and beans, you can boost the protein content by adding ground beef, turkey, or even chicken. For a vegetarian version, experiment with a mix of beans like black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas. If you prefer a plant-based protein, consider adding lentils or tempeh for a delicious twist.

2. Spice It Up

The beauty of chilli is in the spice!

If you like a bit of heat, kick up the flavor by adding diced jalapeños, green chilies, or even a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky heat. For those who love experimenting, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to deepen the dish’s complexity.

3. Sweeten It With Fruit

Jamie’s Sweet Potato Chilli already contains the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, but you can enhance it with a bit of fruit. Add diced apples, pineapple chunks, or dried cranberries to bring a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spiciness of the chilli.

4. Add More Vegetables

If you want to add more nutrition and texture, toss in some additional vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots work wonderfully. For a more hearty dish, throw in some butternut squash or parsnips, which add a slightly nutty and sweet flavor to complement the sweet potatoes.

5. Make It Creamy

For a creamier texture, add a few tablespoons of coconut milk or a dollop of sour cream right before serving. You can also top the chilli with a slice of melted cheese or even Greek yogurt for that creamy, tangy finish.

6. Infuse More Herbs And Spices

Experiment with adding fresh herbs or exotic spices. Fresh cilantro or parsley sprinkled on top brings a fresh contrast to the richness of the chilli. For an earthy depth, try adding a bit of ground cumin, coriander, or turmeric to the pot as it simmers.

7. Topping Ideas

Sometimes it’s the toppings that make the dish. Consider garnishing the chilli with crumbled tortilla chips, slices of avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, or fresh chopped green onions. You can even serve it over a bed of rice, quinoa, or couscous for extra bulk.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Sweet Potato Chilli is the perfect dish for leftovers. In fact, the flavors tend to deepen and improve the next day. Here are some best practices for storing your leftovers:

1. Cool Before Storing

Allow your chilli to cool down to room temperature before transferring it into storage containers. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and an increase in bacterial growth.

2. Airtight Containers

Store your leftover chilli in airtight containers. This ensures that the dish retains its freshness and prevents it from absorbing other odors from your fridge.

3. Refrigeration

If you plan to eat the leftovers within 3-4 days, storing them in the refrigerator is your best bet. Make sure to consume them within this time frame to ensure optimal flavor and food safety.

4. Freezing For Long-Term Storage

For longer storage, sweet potato chilli freezes exceptionally well. Once cooled, transfer it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

Label with the date so you can keep track of its storage time. When freezing, make sure to leave a bit of space in the container as the chilli will expand as it freezes.

5. Reheating Leftovers

When reheating, it’s best to do so slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the chilli from burning or sticking to the bottom. If you find that the chilli has thickened too much after being stored, simply add a splash of water, broth, or coconut milk to bring it back to the desired consistency.

What Goes Well With Sweet Potato Chilli?

Sweet Potato Chilli is a hearty and filling dish, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal to new heights. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside your sweet potato chilli:

1. Cornbread

There’s nothing quite like the combination of warm cornbread and a rich bowl of chilli. The slight sweetness and crumbly texture of cornbread contrast beautifully with the spiciness and depth of the chilli. You can even top the cornbread with a bit of honey butter for extra flavor.

2. Rice Or Quinoa

Serve the chilli over a bed of rice or quinoa to make it a complete meal. Brown rice or jasmine rice works best, as the fluffy grains soak up the flavours of the chilli, while quinoa adds a nutty and slightly chewy texture that complements the sweet potatoes.

3. Tortilla Chips

Crunchy, salty tortilla chips provide the perfect contrast to the smooth and rich texture of the chilli. You can also use them to scoop up the chilli, creating a fun and interactive eating experience.

4. Avocado Or Guacamole

The creamy, cool texture of avocado or a dollop of guacamole offers a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the chilli. Add a squeeze of lime to keep things fresh and vibrant.

5. Salad

A simple side salad with crisp greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chilli. The acidity of the vinaigrette will help cut through the heaviness of the dish, providing a refreshing contrast.

6. Sour Cream Or Yogurt

Topping your sweet potato chilli with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the dish. The coolness from the dairy helps balance the heat, making it more enjoyable for those sensitive to spice.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli is not only a delicious and comforting dish on its own but also a fantastic base for experimentation. With easy variations such as adding protein, spicing it up, or incorporating different vegetables and fruits, you can easily cater it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Whether you’re serving it with a side of cornbread, over rice, or topped with avocado, the options are endless for pairing. And when it comes to leftovers, following a few simple storage tips will ensure that you can enjoy this savory delight for days to come. So go ahead-mix it up, make it your own, and enjoy a warming, satisfying meal!.

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli?

The main ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s sweet potato chilli include sweet potatoes, red onions, garlic, kidney beans, black beans, chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, and a variety of spices such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli?

The total time to prepare Jamie Oliver’s sweet potato chilli is about 1 hour, including chopping and simmering the ingredients.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli Vegan?

Yes, Jamie Oliver’s sweet potato chilli is already vegan, as it does not include any animal products. It relies on plant-based ingredients like sweet potatoes, beans, and vegetables.

Can I Use Other Types Of Beans In Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli?

Yes, you can use other types of beans like pinto beans or navy beans instead of kidney or black beans, but it may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the dish.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli Spicier?

To make the chilli spicier, you can add more chili powder or fresh chili peppers. You can also include hot sauce or cayenne pepper to increase the heat.

Can I Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli Ahead Of Time?

Yes, this recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, so you can store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli?

Jamie Oliver’s sweet potato chilli is perfect when served with rice, cornbread, or tortillas. It also pairs well with avocado, sour cream (or vegan alternatives), and fresh cilantro.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can make this dish in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

What Should I Do If The Sweet Potatoes In My Chilli Are Too Hard?

If the sweet potatoes are too hard, continue simmering the dish for a little longer until the sweet potatoes become tender. You can also cut them into smaller pieces to speed up the cooking process.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato Chilli A Healthy Meal?

Yes, Jamie Oliver’s sweet potato chilli is a healthy meal. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes, beans, and vegetables, providing fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.