I made a *darn* good chili last week, if I do say so myself (and I do. So does the rest of the family, including my parents). I had a few sweet potatoes left in the house and I desperately wanted to make up for the absolute fiasco that took place when I threw together that icky

dish.

This was much better. So

much

better, I demonstrated it on BlogHer's new webShow,

The Juice

.

This is a cheap, vegan meal that doesn't leave you hungry 15 minutes later. I promise.

The Ingredients.



1 yellow onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or 2/3 cup dried beans, soaked overnight and boiled briskly for 10 minutes because of the

1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 (14.5-ounce) can tomatoes (whatever's on sale, mine had oregano and roasted garlic)

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup water

1/2 cup orange juice (not pictured. If you don't have any in the house, use water) 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and in 2-inch chunks1 yellow onion, diced2 garlic cloves, minced1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or 2/3 cup dried beans, soaked overnight and boiled briskly for 10 minutes because of the freaky red bean toxin thing 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped1 (14.5-ounce) can tomatoes (whatever's on sale, mine had oregano and roasted garlic)1 tablespoon chili powder1 teaspoon smoked paprika1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder1/2 teaspoon kosher salt1 cup water1/2 cup orange juice (not pictured. If you don't have any in the house, use water)

The Directions.

Use a 5-6 quart slow cooker. This is enough food to feed a family of 4 regular-sized, or 6 smallish people. Peel and chunk the sweet potato and add to the pot. Add diced onion. Follow with the red bell pepper, can of tomatoes, the beans, garlic, and seasonings. Pour in OJ and water. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the onion is translucent and the sweet potato is fork-tender (if you want the sweet potato to get really squishy and disappear when stirred, cook longer).

The Verdict.

Super tasty. I loved the sweet smoky flavor this had, and was thrilled at the depth of flavor that came from this spice combination. The sweet potato and beans were plenty filling, and Adam didn't once mumble that he'd really like a steak. My kids ate it, but un-veganized it by adding shredded cheese and sour cream.

I will definitely make this again. Thank you so much to

The Juice