📖 Instructions

1. First, prepare the sweet potatoes: Wash and dice 2 large sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Lightly coat them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Next, slow cook the sweet potatoes: Place the seasoned sweet potatoes in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until they are tender and slightly caramelized. The edges should be soft, but not mushy! Every slow cooker cooks slightly differently, so be sure to check for doneness periodically.
3. Meanwhile, cook the quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
4. Prepare the remaining ingredients: While the sweet potatoes and quinoa are cooking, dice 1 avocado, chop 1/2 cup of cilantro, drain and rinse 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, and shuck 1 ear of corn (or use 1 cup of frozen corn).
5. Make the lime dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. For a sweeter dressing, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
6. Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa among bowls. Top with the slow-cooked sweet potatoes, avocado, cilantro, black beans, and corn. Drizzle generously with the lime dressing.
7. Optional additions: For extra protein, add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or tomatoes.
8. Serve immediately or chill: These bowls are delicious served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. If you're making them ahead of time, store the dressing separately and drizzle it over the bowls just before serving to prevent the quinoa from getting soggy.
9. Enjoy! Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors, the fresh flavors, and the satisfaction of nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. Share with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself – I won't judge!
10. Troubleshooting Tip: If your sweet potatoes are still a bit firm after the recommended cooking time, add a tablespoon or two of water to the slow cooker and continue cooking for another hour. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.