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- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped - 1 small red onion, diced The main ingredients create a colorful and tasty base for the dish. Sweet potatoes add a sweet and creamy texture. Bell peppers bring crunch and color. Red onion adds a mild, sweet flavor. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - ½ teaspoon chili powder These spices take the dish to a new level. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky taste. Cumin adds earthiness, while chili powder gives it a kick. Together, these flavors make every bite exciting. - 2 avocados, sliced - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving The toppings make the dish fresh and vibrant. Avocado adds creaminess that balances the spices. Cilantro gives a bright, fresh note. Lime wedges add a zesty punch and enhance the flavors. These toppings are essential for a perfect finish. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Prepping sweet potatoes Start by peeling the sweet potatoes. Then, dice them into small cubes. Aim for even size. This helps them cook evenly. - Chopping vegetables Next, chop the red and yellow bell peppers. Dice the red onion. Mince the garlic. Keep your cuts small. This makes it easy to mix later. - Heating olive oil In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Let it warm for a minute. This oil adds flavor and helps cook the veggies. - Sautéing sweet potatoes and vegetables Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for about ten minutes. Stir often until they turn tender. After that, stir in the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for another five to seven minutes. The vegetables should soften nicely. - Adding spices and black beans Now, add minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Stir everything well. Cook for two more minutes. The spices will infuse the dish with flavor. Then, stir in the rinsed black beans. Heat them through for two to three minutes. - Final cooking steps before serving Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once done, remove the skillet from heat. You can serve it straight from the skillet. Or, portion it into bowls. Top each serving with sliced avocado and fresh cilantro. Serve lime wedges on the side to add a zesty kick. To make sweet potatoes tender, start with even-sized pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. Use a sharp knife to dice them. Cook them in olive oil over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Stir them often to avoid burning. When they are soft, they are ready for the next step. For sautéing vegetables evenly, add them in stages. Start with sweet potatoes first, then add onions and peppers. This way, each vegetable has time to cook. Stir gently so they do not stick to the pan. Cook until they are bright and soft. To add more flavor, consider using different spices. Try adding oregano, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. These can give your dish a new kick. You can also squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. This adds brightness and balances the flavors well. Balancing flavors is key. If the dish feels too sweet, add some salt. If it’s too salty, a bit of sugar helps. Always taste as you go. Adjust spices to your liking for the perfect blend. Serving your Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet can be fun. You can serve it right in the skillet for a family-style meal. This makes it feel warm and inviting. Top with sliced avocados and fresh cilantro. This adds color and freshness to the dish. For drinks, pair it with a cold limeade or iced tea. If you want something more filling, serve it with rice or tortilla chips. These sides complement the flavors in the skillet. Pro Tips Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without any bruises or blemishes for the best flavor and texture. Customize Your Spice Level: If you enjoy heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to amp up the flavor. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Make a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Serving Suggestions: For added protein, serve with a side of grilled chicken or shrimp, or add a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. {{image_2}} You can switch out vegetables in this dish easily. Try using zucchini or mushrooms for a new twist. You can also swap the black beans for chickpeas if you prefer. For a vegan or vegetarian option, you don't need to change much. Just skip any meat additions and stick with the beans for protein. To change the flavor, consider using different spice blends. You might add taco seasoning for a bolder taste. If you want more protein, try adding cooked chicken or shrimp. This will make your skillet heartier and more filling. Think of this dish as a breakfast option, too! Top it with eggs for a great start to your day. You can also turn it into a burrito bowl. Just serve it over rice or quinoa and add your favorite toppings. This way, you get a fun and versatile meal. To store leftovers, let the skillet cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to separate portions, use smaller containers. This makes it easy to grab a quick meal. The best way to reheat is on the stovetop. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a splash of water or oil. This helps keep the sweet potatoes soft. Stir it well to heat evenly. The microwave works too, but it can make the dish mushy. If you use the microwave, cover it loosely with a paper towel. For meal prep, you can freeze this dish. Let it cool completely before you freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers for storage. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the stovetop method for the best texture. If your sweet potatoes are undercooked, try cutting them smaller. Smaller pieces cook faster. You can also cover the skillet with a lid. This traps steam and helps them cook evenly. If they are still hard, cook them longer. Check every few minutes until they are soft. Yes, you can! Make the Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet in advance. Cook it, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You can serve the skillet with many sides. Here are some great options: - Rice or quinoa: They add nice texture and soak up the flavors. - Tortillas: Use them to make wraps or tacos. - Salad: A fresh salad adds crunch and balance. - Salsa or hot sauce: For extra flavor and spice. - Cornbread: A sweet side that pairs well with savory dishes. These options will make your meal even more delicious! You learned about crafting a tasty Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet. We covered key ingredients like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and spices. You now know how to prepare, cook, and store this dish. Consider variations to mix things up. Don't be afraid to try new flavors or swap ingredients. With this guide, you can enjoy a nutritious meal that’s simple to make. Dive in and enjoy the experience of cooking and tasting!

Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet

A delicious and colorful skillet dish featuring sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and black beans, topped with avocado and cilantro.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southwestern
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 each red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 each yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 each avocados, sliced
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  • Stir in the diced red onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  • Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring to combine the spices with the vegetables.
  • Finally, stir in the black beans and heat through for about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  • Remove from heat and serve immediately in the skillet or portion into bowls. Top with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste.
Keyword healthy, skillet, sweet potato, vegetarian