Spicy Sweet Potatoes & Brown Rice in Black Bean Sauce

I have been craving a black bean sauce since it was on one of the special dishes at the restaurant on Saturday night. I decided to try making my own at home. Since I am leaving town in a few days, I wanted to use up some things I had on hand: brown rice and a sweet potato. I made quite the tasty dinner last night and have just enough left for leftovers until I leave for California!

Spicy Sweet Potatoes & Brown Rice in Black Bean Sauce

• 1 c. brown rice, uncooked
• 2 T. olive oil
• 1 large sweet potato, chopped into cubes
• 1 t.. chili powder
• 1/2 t. cumin
• 1/2 t. sea salt
• 1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 large clove garlic (or 2 small)
• 2 t. packed cilantro, preferably fresh (I used the frozen packed cubes)
• 1 t. onion powder
• 1/2 t. sea salt
• 2 t. apple cider vinegar
• 2 T. nonfat greek yogurt
• 1 T. unsweetened almond milk or more to thin out sauce
• 1 t. lime juice
• black pepper to taste
• 1 4 oz. can diced green chiles

1. Cook the rice according to package directions. Typically 1 cup of brown rice to 2 1/4 cups of water works.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Add the sweet potato cubes and let them cook in the oil for a few minutes Add the chili powder, cumin, and sea salt. Mix until the potatoes are covered and let them cook until they become soft.
3. To make the black bean sauce add the beans, garlic, cilantro, onion powder, sea salt, apple cider vinegar, yogurt, milk, lime juice, and pepper to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You may need to add extra milk or water depending on how thin you want the sauce. Some olive oil may help as well.
4. When the rice is finished cooking, add in the diced green chiles. Add about 3/4 of the black bean sauce mixture. You can add more to your liking or save the rest to use for another recipe (or on your eggs tomorrow morning, yum!) Lastly, stir in the potatoes. Mix until it is all incorporated and serve with a dollop or greek yogurt (or sour cream!).

Tagged as: black bean sauce, brown rice, spicy sweet potatoes