Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos

October 4, 2011

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I can and I will.

I can and I will.

That’s what I’ve been telling myself lately.  I can and I will… about everything.  I’ve also been saying YES to just about everything.  Do you know what can open up when you say Yes.. I can and I will?  Whoa.  Major.   Going to the gym?  Done.  Having an uncomfortable conversation you don’t want to have?  Done.  Offering a lady at the laundromat my laundry soap?  Done.  Paying that dang parking ticket.  Fine, done.  Helping a friend with a photo project.  Donedone.

I’m not looking for any sort of award.  I realize that this is all just everyday living… but it really is a lovely brainchange to think YES first… and I CAN second.  Really cool things can happen.  Like tacos… tacos can happen.

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Amendment:  I think the only thing I’ll say no to right now is… seeing that 3D dolphin-without-a-tail movie.  I can’t handle it… mostly because it would probably make me cry.  Ugh.

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I’m in love with these tacos.  I’ll eat them for days.  I made a lot.

I don’t want to share.  I really have to invoke that YES mantra.

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These tacos have three essential elements.

This slaw is a simple mix of cabbage, onion, cilantro, and lime.  I secretly love that the purple cabbage bleeds.

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These are the things that go into the black beans.  Lime, cumin, and onion.

I put them on a cutting board for you to see.

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Roasted sweet potatoes round our this taco situation.  Sweet potatoes are roasted with olive oil, lime, and chili flakes.  Simple, bright, and spicy.

Ps.  Apparently I’m really into limes right now.  They’re everywhere!

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Look at this!  I love when food is pretty!

These tacos are totally Autumn-y.  Orange, black and purple.  They’re full of flavor.  They’re earthy and bright.  I’m pretty sure I found my new favorite thing.

Oh!  Ps.  They’re totally cheap to make too.  Meat is expensive.  Potatoes and beans are totally cheap.

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos

serves 4

inspired by WindAttack

Print this Recipe!

For the Potatoes:

2 sweet potatoes (really orange-fleshed yams), peeled and cut into small cubes

1 tablespoon olive oil

salt and red chili flakes to taste

juice of 1 lime

For the Cabbage Slaw:

2 heaping cups shredded cabbage (I used a combination of purple and green cabbage)

1/4 cup finely diced yellow onions

2 heaping tablespoons chopped cilantro

juice of 2 limes

salt and red chili flakes to taste

For the Beans:

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

juice of 1 lime

small corn tortillas

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Place peeled and diced sweet potatoes on a cookie sheet.  Top with olive oil, salt and chili flakes, and lime juice.  Toss together until all of the potato chunks are coated.  Place in the oven to bake until softened through and toasted brown.  This usually takes about 40 minutes.   Remove the cookie sheet once or twice during baking to toss the potato chunks around.  This will ensure that the cubes cook evenly.  Remove from the oven and let stand when cooked through.

While the potatoes cook, assemble the Cabbage Slaw.  In a medium bowl, place cabbage, yellow, and chopped cilantro.  Add lime juice, salt and chili flakes.  Toss to coat and set aside while the potatoes cook and beans heat.  Letting the cabbage slaw sit will help soften the cabbage.

To cook the beans, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan.  Add onions and cook until transluscent, about 3 minutes.  Add ground cumin and stir until fragrant.  Add beans and lime juice.  Cook until heated through.

Heat corn tortillas in a hot saucepan with just a touch of oil.  Heat through and serve with potatoes, beans, and slaw.  

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{ 127 comments… read them below or add one }

Traci October 10, 2011 at 6:40 pm

P.S. that last photo is particularly lovely. I’ve always enjoyed your photos and styling but I have to say it’s getting even better than before!

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Amanda October 11, 2011 at 11:53 am

Joy–I made these last night and they were amazing! Thank you!

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caitlin October 11, 2011 at 10:24 pm

my fridge was magically fully stocked for this recipe. i had no clue what to do with my lone sweet potato and leftover cabbage. this was perfection- easy and quick dinner for 1 and lunch tomorrow! thanks joy!

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Cheryl October 12, 2011 at 4:48 pm

Made these tonight – O.M.G. They are delish!! I was skeptical but tried it anyway because they were colorful and fall-ish. The combination of the sweetness of the potato, the tart lime, the crunchy cabbage and the beany beans was great. For lunch tomorrow I’m foregoing the tortilla and just making a pile on my plate! :) THANKS for the recipe!!

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Nina October 14, 2011 at 10:02 am

I made these last night we loved them!!

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Kristin October 17, 2011 at 8:31 pm

These were amazing!!!! Thank you so much for the recipe!

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Serena October 23, 2011 at 8:46 pm

Oh! I’ve made a version of these before. In fact, they’re definitely a staple. So. Good.

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Lindsey October 24, 2011 at 7:42 pm

Hi Joy! My boyfriend made me these tonight after my suggestion. I’ve been PMSing hardcore & these tacos really did the trick. At first we were kinda nervous- we thought they might be to lime-y or just plain weird. But they completely surpassed our expectations with a dollap of sour cream. Thank you so very much for sharing- I’m looking forward to having them again!

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Marianna October 27, 2011 at 2:58 pm

Hi Joy,

I’ll be trying the sweet potato and black bean tacos, tonight! I was wondering if you have a copy-editor for the recipes/blogs you post on-line? I am building my editing portfolio, and am looking for people who might need some free help.

Best regards!
Marianna

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Alyssa November 5, 2011 at 10:54 am

I made these last night and can’t wait to make them again (there were no leftovers). Thank you for sharing!

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joythebaker November 5, 2011 at 4:22 pm

Love!!

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Jocelyn November 7, 2011 at 6:54 pm

You crack me up! This is hilarious, and I’m absolutely looking forward to making these when I get home tonight. Nicely done, Joy the Baker.

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Kelly November 17, 2011 at 12:20 pm

These are AWESOME. I’m in love. No really-I couldn’t stop eating them!

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Jenni November 17, 2011 at 3:07 pm

Are you even kidding me???!! These tacos are SICK (in a good way:)). I have no idea how you would think of this but keep it coming!! I am soo glad that I found your site! Oh and p.s. my hardcore meat lovin’, cabbage hating husband went just as crazy over them!! INSANELY GOOD!!

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Jill December 2, 2011 at 11:01 am

Delicious!! Huge hit. And the leftovers were turned into a really delicious pizza. I put the beans in the food processor with some kale (love to sneak in extra veggies) with a little slaw and salsa and used it as the sauce. Topped it with slaw pieces and sweet potato chunks. Added a little ricotta and mozerella for the non-vegan family members. 1 yr old loved it!

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Izzi December 24, 2011 at 1:35 pm

These look amazing. I can’t wait to try them!

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Kat @ The Indie Domestic January 20, 2012 at 6:45 am

I had a dish like this at a veg restaurant in Denver, and I’ve been in love ever since! I decided to recreate the recipe without even realizing you had on eon your blog, but mine is pretty close (http://indiedomestic.wordpress.com/2012/01/17/sweet-potato-black-bean-tacos/). Yummmm.

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Amy February 8, 2012 at 4:12 pm

These look great! I’m making them tonight.

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