- 5 mild to medium heat dried chili peppers, a mix of Guajillo, Pasilla, New Mexican, Ancho and Mulato
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- Natural cooking spray
- Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon (1/3 palmful) ground smoked paprika
- A little freshly grated nutmeg or a pinch of ground
- A pinch ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
- 1 large or 2 medium white onions, chopped
- 4 large cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon (a scant palmful) cumin
- 1 tablespoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon (1/3 palmful) Mexican oregano
- 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 15-ounce can each red beans and black beans, rinsed and drained, preferred brand Goya Organic
- 1 tablespoon Frank’s Red Hot cayenne pepper sauce
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Seed and stem dried peppers and place them in a pot with 1 quart water. Bring to a boil and keep at a low, rolling boil for 30-40 minutes until very tender. Place in a food processor and process until smooth.
Place potatoes on baking sheet, spray with baking spray and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, nutmeg and cinnamon. Roast until tender and brown at edges, 20-25 minutes.
Heat a medium-size chili pot over medium-high heat with oil, 2 turns of the pan. Add onions, garlic, cumin, coriander, oregano, salt and pepper, and partially cover. Let soften 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Add diced tomatoes, beans, chili purée and hot sauce, and bring to a bubble. Adjust salt and add sweet potatoes; stir to combine.
Serve with toppings of choice.