Black Bean, Sweet Potato, and Quinoa Chili with Smoked Chipotle

As the winter months settle in, staying warm and nourished becomes a top priority. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is associated with the Water element, which governs the Kidneys and Bladder. This is a time to focus on supporting Kidney health, conserving energy, and eating foods that provide warmth and nourishment.

This Black Bean, Sweet Potato, and Quinoa Chili with Smoked Chipotle is not only hearty and delicious but also a powerful way to align your diet with the seasonal needs of your body through TCM nutrition. Let’s dive into the ingredients and their TCM benefits for winter wellness.

Black Beans
In TCM, black beans are considered a top food for nourishing the Kidneys and supporting the Water element. Their black color corresponds to the Kidney system, making them ideal for strengthening this organ during winter. Black beans are warming and help tonify Kidney Qi, which is essential for maintaining vitality and supporting the body’s core energy reserves.

Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are grounding, nourishing, and slightly sweet in flavor, which aligns them with the Spleen and Stomach. They support digestion and provide a steady source of energy, helping the body conserve heat. Their vibrant orange color also suggests an affinity with nourishing Yin and Blood, making them a great complement to the Kidney-tonifying black beans.

Quinoa
Quinoa, though technically a seed, is considered a whole grain in TCM. It strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, promoting healthy digestion and energy production. Its neutral thermal nature allows it to harmonize the warming qualities of the chili while providing protein to sustain energy levels.

Smoked Chipotle Peppers
Chipotle peppers add a smoky, warming quality to this chili, stimulating qi circulation and dispelling cold. In TCM, moderate use of spices like chipotle is helpful during winter as they gently warm the body and enhance digestion.

Onions and Garlic
Both onions and garlic are warming and pungent, making them excellent choices for improving circulation and boosting immunity during the cold months. They help dispel cold from the body and prevent the stagnation of qi, which can lead to feelings of sluggishness.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes are slightly cooling in nature but, when cooked, become more balanced and warming. They nourish Yin and moisten dryness, which can complement the overall warming nature of this dish

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INGREDIENTS

For the chili:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (start with 2 and if you want it spicier you can always add another one later)

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• pinch nutmeg

• 1 (15 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes

• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed

• 2 cups cooked quinoa

• 3 cups vegetable broth, plus more to thin if desired

• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

  For the smoked chipotle yogurt sauce:

• 1 cup plain greek yogurt

• 1-2 teaspoons adobo sauce from the can, plus more if you really like a little heat

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1/4 teaspoon dijon mustard

  To garnish:

• Cilantro

• Sliced ripe avocado

• Shredded cheddar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add olive oil to a pot and place over medium heat. Once oil is hot, add the onion, carrots and garlic; cook for 5 minutes or until onions become translucent. Then stir in the chopped chipotles, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.

2. Next stir in the sweet potato cubes, fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, quinoa, vegetable broth and salt. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt if desired. You can also add more chopped chipotle peppers or adobo sauce if you want it spicier.

3. Make the smoked chipotle yogurt: add yogurt, adobo sauce, honey, and dijon mustard in a medium bowl; stir to combine. Taste and adjust as necessary. Add more honey if you want it sweeter, or add more adobo sauce if you'd like it spicier!

4. Spoon chili into bowls and add yogurt sauce on top. Garnish with cheddar cheese, avocado, and cilantro if you'd like!

   photo and recipe inspiration to Ambitious Kitchen