Description
This hearty mixed-bean chilli served with crispy oven-baked potato wedges is a flavorful, nutritious, and comforting vegan meal. The dish features tender wedges of baking potatoes seasoned and roasted to golden perfection alongside a rich, spiced chilli made from mixed pulses, vegetables, and a hint of dark chocolate for depth. Topped with reduced-fat soured cream, this meal balances wholesome ingredients with satisfying textures and bold flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Wedges
- 4 medium baking potatoes, unpeeled, each cut into 8 wedges
- 4 tsp olive oil, divided
Mixed-Bean Chilli
- 1 red onion, roughly chopped
- 1 yellow pepper, chopped
- 1 tbsp Cajun spice mix
- 2 x 410g (14oz) cans mixed pulses in water, rinsed and drained
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 150ml vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp dark chocolate, chopped
- 4 tbsp reduced-fat soured cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Potato Wedges: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan)/gas mark 7. Toss the potato wedges in 2 teaspoons of olive oil until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a large baking tray to ensure even roasting.
- Roast Potato Wedges: Place the tray in the oven and roast the potato wedges for 30-35 minutes. Turn them halfway through the cooking time to achieve golden brown and tender wedges.
- Cook Chilli Vegetables: While the potatoes roast, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a casserole dish over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and yellow pepper, frying them gently for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Spices and Pulses: Stir in 1 tablespoon of Cajun spice mix, then add the rinsed and drained mixed pulses, chopped tomatoes, and vegetable stock. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Chilli: Cover the casserole dish and let the mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chilli to thicken slightly.
- Finish Chilli with Chocolate: Remove the casserole from the heat and stir in the chopped dark chocolate until it melts completely, enriching the sauce with a deep, smooth flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the warm chilli into bowls, top each with 1 tablespoon of reduced-fat soured cream, and serve alongside the golden roasted potato wedges for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before roasting, then pat dry.
- Adjust the Cajun spice mix quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Dark chocolate adds richness and balances acidity; do not skip.
- Use low-sodium vegetable stock to control salt content.
- Can be made gluten-free by checking the ingredients of the Cajun spice mix and stock.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: mixed bean chilli, vegan chilli, baked potato wedges, healthy dinner, plant-based meal
