Craving a deeply satisfying, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully wholesome meal? Look no further than this magnificent Sweet Potato Chili! This delightful vegetarian chili is an absolute game-changer, loaded with creamy sweet potatoes, an array of vibrant vegetables, and hearty beans. It’s not just an easy chili recipe; it’s a flavor-packed experience designed to warm you from the inside out, and it can be ready on your stovetop in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
If you’re a chili enthusiast, you might also enjoy the rich flavors of my Turkey Pumpkin Chili, a comforting twist on a classic.
This Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili recipe truly bursts with warming spices and brims with nourishing ingredients, making it utterly delicious and incredibly satisfying. Its thick, rich consistency and abundant nutritional value mean you can whip up a batch of this vegetarian chili with remarkable ease. It’s genuinely the perfect meal for those chilly days and even colder nights when you need something comforting and hearty. My family absolutely adores this chili, and I’m confident yours will too. What’s more, it’s an excellent candidate for meal prepping; you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge to enjoy for several days, simplifying your weeknight dinners.
Seeking more inspiring dinner ideas to round out your meal plan? Be sure to explore my Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast for an elegant main dish, or perhaps my refreshing Lemon Garlic Salmon for a lighter, yet equally flavorful option.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Sweet Potato Chili
This Sweet Potato Chili isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed to bring joy and comfort to your table. Here are compelling reasons why this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Explosion of Rich Flavors: Prepare your taste buds for an incredible journey. A symphony of warming spices – chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika – expertly blends with the natural sweetness of the potatoes, the earthy notes of black beans, and the brightness of fresh aromatics. Each spoonful delivers a complex, deep flavor that is both comforting and exciting.
- A Wholesome and Nutritious Meal: This isn’t just tasty; it’s genuinely good for you. This vegetarian chili is packed with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, providing essential vitamins and fiber, along with protein-rich beans that make it incredibly satisfying and help keep you full. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that nourishes your body.
- Effortlessly Easy to Prepare: Forget complicated recipes and long cooking times. Made predominantly with readily available pantry staples, this delicious chili comes together with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, you’ll appreciate how straightforward it is to create such a flavorful dish in around 30 minutes on the stovetop.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili tastes even better the next day! Its flavors deepen beautifully upon sitting, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping. Cook a larger batch at the start of the week and enjoy healthy, delicious lunches or dinners for days to come. It reheats wonderfully, maintaining its delicious texture and taste.
- Highly Versatile and Customizable: This recipe serves as a fantastic base for customization. Easily adapt it to your preferences by adding different vegetables, swapping out bean types, or adjusting the spice level. It’s a forgiving recipe that encourages creativity, ensuring you can tailor it to suit any palate or dietary need.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting this savory and sweet potato chili requires a thoughtful selection of fresh produce and pantry staples. Below is a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need to create this comforting dish. Full measurements for each component are provided in the comprehensive recipe card further down the page.
- Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing our aromatics. Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely depth of flavor, but avocado oil is an excellent alternative for its high smoke point and neutral taste.
- Aromatics & Vegetables:
- Onion: Diced onion provides a crucial aromatic base, adding a foundational sweetness and savory note when sautéed.
- Canned Tomatoes: Whole peeled canned tomatoes are ideal here, as their juices contribute richness and their softer texture breaks down beautifully. Alternatively, you can use crushed or fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Sweet Potatoes: The star of our show! Peeled and diced sweet potatoes lend a natural sweetness, creamy texture, and a wealth of nutrients, making the chili incredibly hearty and satisfying.
- Beans: Black Beans are our preferred choice for their robust flavor and creamy texture, complementing the sweet potatoes perfectly. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties like pinto beans, kidney beans, or blackeye beans to vary the texture and taste. Ensure they are drained and thoroughly rinsed to remove excess sodium and improve digestibility.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable! It provides an indispensable pungent aroma and savory depth that truly elevates the chili’s overall flavor.
- Signature Seasoning Blend: This carefully balanced blend of spices is what gives the chili its signature warmth and complexity.
- Chili Powder: The primary flavor component, providing a classic chili essence. We recommend a mild variety to allow for personal adjustment of heat.
- Cumin: Adds an earthy, warm, and slightly pungent note that is characteristic of many great chili recipes.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses the chili with a beautiful smoky flavor and a hint of sweetness, contributing to its rich color.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors. Adjust to taste throughout the cooking process.
- Liquid Base: Vegetable Stock is the perfect choice for keeping this chili vegetarian, adding depth and savory notes. For those who don’t require it to be vegetarian, chicken stock can also be used. Water can be a suitable substitute in a pinch, though stock will enhance the flavor considerably.
- Suggested Toppings: These optional additions elevate the chili experience, adding texture, freshness, and contrasting flavors.
- Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro offers a bright, herbaceous counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the chili.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that delicious, thick sauce.
How to Prepare Sweet Potato Chili on the Stovetop
Making this hearty sweet potato chili on the stovetop is straightforward and quick, perfect for getting a delicious meal on the table efficiently. Follow these simple steps for a truly comforting experience:
- Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onions. Sauté them gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and fragrant. This crucial step softens the onions and builds a foundational layer of flavor for the chili.
- Step 2: Build the Flavor Base. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the whole canned tomatoes with their juices, the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Using the back of a wooden spoon, gently crush the whole tomatoes directly in the pot. This helps release their juices and integrate them smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich texture.
- Step 3: Simmer to Perfection. Next, incorporate the diced sweet potatoes, drained and rinsed black beans, and your vegetable stock (or water). Give everything a good stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined and coated with the spices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the chili to cook, uncovered, for about 30 minutes. This simmering time allows the sweet potatoes to soften beautifully and all the flavors to meld and deepen into a cohesive, delicious chili. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Garnish and Serve. Once the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro or any of your favorite toppings. Serve immediately with crusty bread and enjoy the warming, satisfying flavors!
Making Sweet Potato Chili in a Crockpot or Slow Cooker
For a hands-off approach that allows flavors to slowly meld into rich perfection, your crockpot or slow cooker is an excellent choice. This method is ideal for those days when you want to set it and forget it, returning to a wonderfully aromatic and comforting meal.
- Initial Sauté (Optional but Recommended): While you *can* simply toss all ingredients into the crockpot, starting with a quick sauté of the onions on your stovetop will significantly enhance the chili’s depth of flavor. Heat a little oil in a pot over medium heat, add the diced onions, and cook until they are translucent and slightly softened. This caramelization adds a sweet, savory complexity that makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- Combine in Crockpot: Transfer the sautéed onions (if you did this step) directly into your crockpot or slow cooker. Stir in the minced garlic, the whole canned tomatoes (crushing them with the back of a wooden spoon as you add them), and all your seasonings (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper).
- Add Main Ingredients and Liquid: Next, add the chopped sweet potatoes, your chosen beans (black beans, pinto, etc., ensuring they are drained and rinsed), and the vegetable stock or water.
- Stir and Cook: Give everything a thorough stir to combine all the ingredients evenly. Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The longer, slower cooking time truly allows the spices to infuse the vegetables and beans, resulting in a more profound flavor.
- Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili has thickened to your liking, it’s ready to serve. Ladle it hot into bowls and customize with your favorite toppings for a delightful, fuss-free meal.
How to Make in an Instant Pot
The Instant Pot offers a fantastic way to achieve slow-cooked depth of flavor in a fraction of the time, making this sweet potato chili incredibly convenient for busy schedules. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Sauté Aromatics: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil to the pot. Once hot, add the diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This step is key for building a rich flavor base.
- Build the Flavor Foundation: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the whole canned tomatoes (crushing them with a wooden spoon), chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a good seasoning of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine these aromatics and spices.
- Add Main Ingredients (Except Beans): Add the chopped sweet potatoes and the vegetable stock or water to the pot. It’s important to hold off on adding the beans at this stage, as they can become overly soft or mushy under high pressure.
- Pressure Cook: Stir everything well to ensure it’s combined. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode and set it to HIGH pressure for 8 minutes. Allow approximately 15-20 minutes for the pot to come to pressure before the cooking cycle begins.
- Release Pressure and Add Beans: Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the valve to “Venting.” Once the float valve drops, open the lid. Now, add the drained and rinsed black beans to the chili.
- Final Simmer or Sauté: At this point, you have two flexible options:
- Option 1 (Gentle Thicken): Simply place the lid back on the Instant Pot (without sealing or setting pressure) and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The residual heat will warm the beans through and allow the flavors to further meld and thicken slightly.
- Option 2 (Thicker Consistency): For a thicker chili, switch the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode and let it simmer for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help reduce the liquid and achieve a denser texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once your desired consistency is reached, ladle the hot sweet potato chili into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes and savor this deeply flavorful, quickly prepared meal.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips for Perfection
To ensure your Sweet Potato Chili turns out perfectly every time and to help you customize it to your exact preferences, consider these valuable notes and tips:
- Customizing Spices to Your Palate: The recipe calls for a balanced combination of cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. For those who prefer a milder chili, stick to the recommended amounts. If you enjoy a bit more warmth, feel free to increase the chili powder by an extra tablespoon or two. For a genuinely spicy kick that will awaken your senses, stir in about a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce during the simmering stage.
- Exploring Bean Varieties: While black beans provide a wonderful creamy texture and earthy flavor to this sweet potato chili, don’t hesitate to experiment with other bean types. Pinto beans offer a slightly softer texture, white beans (like cannellini or navy beans) are milder, and red kidney beans add a classic chili feel. A combination of different beans can also add intriguing layers of texture and flavor, making each spoonful unique.
- Tomato Choice Matters: We’ve opted for canned whole tomatoes for their rich flavor and the ability to crush them to your desired consistency. However, convenience is key! You can easily substitute with canned crushed tomatoes for a smoother chili, or fire-roasted diced tomatoes to add an extra smoky dimension. Ensure you include the juices from the can, as they contribute significantly to the chili’s liquid base and depth.
- Broth for Flavor and Salt Control: Using a low-sodium vegetable broth is highly recommended as it allows you to control the overall salt content of your chili. This is particularly important when working with canned ingredients. If vegetable broth isn’t available, water can be used, but you might want to increase the spice quantities slightly to compensate for the reduced savory depth. For a non-vegetarian version, chicken stock works equally well.
- Creative Topping Combinations: The beauty of chili lies in its versatility, especially when it comes to toppings! While fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness, consider an array of other options. A dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt can balance the spices. Sliced or diced avocados add a creamy, rich texture. Shredded cheese (use a low-fat or fat-free option if desired) melts wonderfully. Sliced green onions or minced red onion provide a sharp, fresh bite. Crushed tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch, while fresh or pickled jalapeños offer an extra layer of heat and tang. Don’t forget lime wedges for a zesty, bright finish!
- Sweet Potato Alternatives: If you’re looking to change things up or simply don’t have sweet potatoes on hand, butternut squash makes an excellent substitute. It offers a similar sweetness and creamy texture when cooked. For helpful guidance on preparing your main ingredient, here’s a quick guide on how to Cut Sweet Potatoes.
- Boost Your Veggie Intake: This chili is already packed with vegetables, but you can always add more! Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) contribute sweetness, color, and a slight crunch. Corn kernels add bursts of sweetness, while a handful of spinach or kale can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking for an added nutritional boost.
- Thicken with Quinoa: For an even heartier, thicker, and more filling chili, consider adding ½ cup of rinsed quinoa along with your sweet potatoes and liquid. If adding quinoa, increase the vegetable broth by an additional ½ cup to ensure it cooks properly and doesn’t make the chili too dry.
Storing and Reheating Your Chili
This Sweet Potato Chili is not only delicious freshly made but also fantastic as leftovers, with flavors that often deepen and improve over time. Proper storage and reheating ensure you can enjoy this comforting meal for days to come.
- Storing Leftovers: Once the chili has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover vegetarian chili into an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it an ideal candidate for healthy meal prep throughout the week. For longer storage, this chili freezes beautifully. You can either portion individual servings into freezer-friendly bags (squeeze out excess air before sealing) or transfer the entire batch into a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container. When properly stored, it will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Instructions:
- Microwave: For individual servings, simply transfer the desired amount of chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and reheat on high power in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Stovetop: For larger quantities or a gentler reheat, transfer the chili to a saucepan or pot. Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle simmer and is thoroughly warmed. If the chili appears too thick after refrigeration or freezing, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
- From Frozen: If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight first. If reheating directly from frozen, use the stovetop method on low heat, allowing it to thaw gently while stirring frequently, or use your microwave’s defrost setting before fully reheating.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Chili
This easy and delicious sweet potato chili is a satisfying meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with complementary sides and a generous array of toppings. Elevate your chili experience with these delectable suggestions:
- Bread for Dipping:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful chili.
- Homemade Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls provide a comforting contrast and are excellent for scooping.
- Creamy & Cool Counterpoints:
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of cool, tangy sour cream or a healthier Greek yogurt swirl can beautifully cut through the chili’s richness and heat.
- Avocado: Creamy chopped or sliced avocado adds a luxurious texture and healthy fats, balancing the spice with its mellow flavor.
- Cheesy Goodness:
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of your favorite shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend) melts into gooey perfection. Opt for lite or fat-free varieties if available to keep it lighter.
- Fresh & Pungent Enhancements:
- Sliced Green Onions: Also known as scallions, these add a mild onion flavor and a vibrant green garnish.
- Minced Red Onion: For a sharper, more piquant kick, a small amount of finely minced red onion provides a fresh crunch.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro is a classic chili topping, adding a bright, herbaceous aroma and a pop of color.
- Crunch & Heat:
- Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips offer a satisfying crunch and are fantastic for dipping.
- Fresh or Pickled Jalapeños: For those who love extra heat, thinly sliced fresh jalapeños or tangy pickled jalapeños can add a fiery kick.
- A Zesty Finish:
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top of your chili brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty, refreshing finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Chili
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying sweet potato chili, along with helpful answers to guide you:
This chili is incredibly versatile and welcomes a wide range of vegetables. Beyond swapping butternut squash for sweet potatoes, you can easily load it up with zucchini, cauliflower florets, corn kernels (fresh or frozen), diced carrots, finely chopped celery, fresh kale, or spinach. Each addition will bring its own unique texture and nutritional benefits, making your chili even more robust and flavorful. Don’t be afraid to experiment and use what you have on hand!
Absolutely, sweet potatoes are a fantastic addition to chili! They are particularly wonderful in vegetarian chili recipes, where they contribute a delightful natural sweetness, a creamy texture as they cook down, and an impressive boost of fiber and essential nutrients. They make the chili incredibly hearty and satisfying, offering a unique flavor profile that perfectly complements the traditional chili spices and beans.
Yes, sweet potato chili is an exceptionally wholesome, nutritious, and healthy dish. It’s packed with an abundance of fiber from the sweet potatoes and beans, which aids digestion and promotes satiety. Additionally, it’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a fantastic choice for a balanced and nourishing meal. It’s a flavorful way to get a significant portion of your daily vegetable intake.
Yes, sweet potato chili is inherently gluten-free, provided you use naturally gluten-free ingredients. All the core components – sweet potatoes, black beans, canned tomatoes, olive oil, and the standard spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika – are naturally free from gluten. Always double-check labels on canned goods and spice blends to ensure no hidden gluten-containing additives, but generally, this recipe is safe for those following a gluten-free diet.
Other Delicious Sweet Potato Recipes to Try
If you’ve fallen in love with the versatility and flavor of sweet potatoes in this chili, you’ll be thrilled to discover their potential in a variety of other dishes. Here are some more of my favorite sweet potato recipes that are both healthy and incredibly tasty:
- Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes: A comforting and vibrant side dish, perfect for any meal.
- Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Wedges: A healthier alternative to traditional fries, these are seasoned to perfection and baked until crispy.
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Thinly cut and baked to a golden crisp, these are irresistible with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole: A lighter take on a classic comfort food, perfect for holidays or a special side.
- Healthy Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie: A hearty and wholesome twist on a traditional shepherd’s pie, topped with creamy sweet potato mash.
- Baked Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these are a delightful and unique way to enjoy sweet potatoes.
More Homemade Chili Recipes to Explore
If you’re a fan of the warming, comforting embrace of chili, you’re in for a treat! Beyond our delightful Sweet Potato Chili, there’s a whole world of chili variations to explore. Each offers a unique flavor profile and experience, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences. Dive into these other homemade chili recipes:
- White Bean Turkey Chili: A lighter, yet incredibly flavorful chili featuring lean ground turkey and creamy white beans.
- Keto Beef Chili: A hearty, low-carb option packed with rich beef flavor, perfect for those following a ketogenic diet.
- White Bean Pumpkin Chili: A unique and seasonal chili that combines the creaminess of white beans with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin.
- Easy Vegan Chili: A robust and satisfying plant-based chili, loaded with vegetables and beans for a wholesome meal.
- Homemade Beef Chili: The classic, comforting beef chili, rich in savory flavor and perfect for a crowd.
- White Chicken Chili: A creamy, hearty chili featuring tender chicken, white beans, and a milder, yet deeply satisfying broth.
Also, if you try this recipe and genuinely enjoy it, please take a moment to leave me some feedback in the comment section below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating! Your input is invaluable. I would also absolutely love it if you shared this delicious recipe with your friends and family – spread the warmth!
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Sweet Potato Chili
Pin
Equipment
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Pot or dutch oven
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knife
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cutting board
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spatula
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ▢ 1 medium medium onion, diced small
- ▢ 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- ▢ 28 ounces can whole tomatoes, with their juices, one can (or diced canned tomatoes)
- ▢ 2 tablespoons mild chili powder
- ▢ 2 teaspoons cumin
- ▢ 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ▢ Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
- ▢ 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- ▢ 30 ounces can black beans, drained and rinsed, 2 cans 15 oz each
- ▢ 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable stock
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- ▢ Freshly chopped cilantro
- ▢ Crusty bread
Instructions
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Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and saute until soft, 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the garlic, whole tomatoes and seasonings. Crush the tomatoes with the back of the wooden spoon.
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Add in the chopped sweet potatoes, beans and water/stock.
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Stir well to combine. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes.
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Serve hot with toppings of choice.
Notes
- The serving size is a bowl, typically about 2 cups.
- You can adjust the chili powder to your taste for varying levels of heat. To make it spicier, consider adding 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- While black beans were used in this recipe, feel free to substitute with other beans like pinto beans, kidney beans, or a combination for different textures and flavors.
- Use a low-sodium vegetable broth to have better control over the overall salt content of the dish. If broth isn’t available, water can be used as a substitute.
- Canned diced or crushed tomatoes can be used in place of whole tomatoes if you prefer a smoother consistency or a specific flavor profile (e.g., fire-roasted).
- For a bright, zesty twist that cuts through the richness, add a fresh spritz of lime juice just before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant pop of color and freshness. Be creative with your toppings, including options like creamy avocado, cool sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, or crunchy tortilla chips.
- You can swap the sweet potatoes with butternut squash if you prefer, or add in other healthy vegetables like corn kernels, bell peppers, or a handful of kale for an extra nutritional boost.
- To make this chili recipe thicker and more substantial, consider stirring in ½ cup of quinoa along with the other ingredients. If adding quinoa, remember to increase the broth by an additional ½ cup to ensure proper cooking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.