Sweet Potato Black Bean Power Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from sweet potatoes, black beans, and fresh vegetables.
• Flavorful: The combination of roasted sweet potatoes, spiced black beans, and chipotle lime crema delivers a delightful taste experience.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients and toppings to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Components can be prepared ahead of time for convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Black Beans:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ medium red onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
• ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Chipotle Lime Crema:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt

For Assembling the Bowls:

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce or greens of choice
• 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
• 2 avocados, sliced
• Pickled red onions (optional)
• Cilantro sprigs, for garnish
• Pepitas (pumpkin seeds), for garnish

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly browned.

2. Prepare the Black Beans: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced red onion and bell pepper until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in black beans, cilantro, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Make the Chipotle Lime Crema: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, adobo sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, and salt until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Assemble the Bowls: In each bowl, layer greens, cooked rice or quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, black bean mixture, avocado slices, pickled red onions (if using), and garnish with cilantro and pepitas. Drizzle with chipotle lime crema before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields 4 bowls.
• Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
• Cooking Time: Approximately 45 minutes (25-30 minutes for roasting sweet potatoes, 15 minutes for preparing beans).
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour.

Variations

• Grains: Substitute rice or quinoa with farro, couscous, or cauliflower rice for different textures and flavors.
• Protein: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or a fried egg for an extra protein boost.
• Beans: Pinto beans or refried beans can replace black beans.
• Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers, corn, or leafy greens like kale or spinach.
• Heat: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to increase spiciness.
• Dressing: Try a creamy cilantro lime dressing or vinaigrette instead of chipotle lime crema.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat sweet potatoes and black beans in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling bowls.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, use plant-based yogurt for the chipotle lime crema and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.

2. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños or increase the amount of chipotle adobo sauce in the crema.

3. Can I use another type of bean?

Yes, pinto beans or refried beans can work as a substitute for black beans.

4. How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from becoming mushy?

Be sure to dice them into uniform pieces and spread them evenly on the baking sheet so they roast evenly.

5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the sweet potatoes, black beans, and crema in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the bowls when ready to serve.

6. How can I add more protein to this recipe?

Try adding grilled chicken, tofu, or a fried egg for additional protein.

7. Can I use store-bought chipotle sauce?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought chipotle sauce for the homemade chipotle lime crema, though the flavor may differ slightly.

8. Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

It’s best to use fresh sweet potatoes for this recipe as frozen ones may not roast as well.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure you use gluten-free grains or avoid grains altogether.

10. How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

Reduce the amount of olive oil used for roasting the sweet potatoes and in the bean mixture, and consider omitting the avocado or using less.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Black Bean Power Bowls are a delicious, nutritious, and versatile meal that can easily be customized to suit your preferences. With a mix of roasted vegetables, hearty black beans, and a creamy chipotle lime drizzle, this dish is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy the wholesome flavors and satisfying textures of this plant-based bowl!