Sweet and Spicy Lentil Chili

Made this recipe with my friend Megan last night and we both loved it! Those who are a fan of spicy and sweet main dishes will really like this. I used the recipe below as a guide but also made it my own a bit.

http://plantpoweredkitchen.com/recipes/recipe-sweet-potato-lentil-chili/

Ingredients:
1 tbsp of olive oil
2 medium onions, diced
1 large green pepper, diced
1 jalapeno, minced
2 tbsp of minced garlic
1 very large sweet potato or 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 1/4 cup of green or brown uncooked lentils
2.5 cups of vegetable broth
1 15 oz can of organic baked beans
2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
2 large tomatoes diced or 1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes
1 tbsp chipotle pepper flakes
1/2 tsp of cumin
2 tbsp of chili powder
1 tbsp of paprika or smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot until shimmering
2. Add diced onions, green pepper, garlic, and jalapeno and saute on med-high heat until softened. About 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add in diced sweet potato and saute for another 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, vinegar, can of baked beans, and lentils into the pot and stir.
5. Add cumin, chipotle pepper flakes, chili powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Stir all ingredients until well mix.
7. Bring chili to a boil and then lower heat to a simmer.
8. Cover the chili and let cook for 25-30 minutes until sweet potatoes are softened and lentils are cooked through.
9. Serve by itself or add toppings like tortilla chips or sour cream and enjoy!

Note: To lower the spice factor, add only half a jalapeno and less chipotle pepper flakes