Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili: A Hearty, Healthy, and Flavorful Delight! 🍠🌶️🥣

1. Introduction

Looking for a comforting and nutritious meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? This sweet potato black bean chili recipe is exactly what you need! It’s packed with wholesome ingredients and a symphony of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. This chili is perfect whether you’re seeking a cozy night in with a movie or need a hearty lunch to power you through the day. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the earthy goodness of black beans in one warm, satisfying dish. Think of this as your go-to recipe for chilly evenings and potlucks alike. Whether you’re a seasoned chef looking for a simple, healthy option, or a beginner in the kitchen eager to expand your culinary horizons, this vegan sweet potato chili is simple to master and sure to impress your family and friends.

This sweet potato black bean chili recipe is not only a treat for your taste buds but also incredibly versatile to fit your lifestyle. Feel free to easily adjust the spice level by adding a pinch more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce, tailoring it perfectly to your preference. And if you’re looking for more recipes, check out the other recipes on our site!

Customize it further with your favorite toppings – think creamy avocado slices, a dollop of Greek yogurt (or a vegan alternative), or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prepping because the flavors only deepen and meld together overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Making a big batch on Sunday means you will have lunch ready to go for the week! Full of fiber, essential vitamins, and plant-based protein, this black bean and sweet potato stew is a guilt-free indulgence that will keep you feeling full and energized, helping you stay on track with your health goals. If you’re searching for a healthy chili recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor, and one that truly satisfies, look no further!

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the dynamic duo of sweet potatoes and black beans, this chili is a nutritional powerhouse!
• Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly: A superb plant-based option that makes a satisfying and complete meal. If you’re exploring plant-based eating , starting with meals like this makes the shift easier.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You can also see this sweet potato chili recipe at EatingWell.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap in different veggies, and play around with toppings to create your perfect bowl of chili.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Tastes even more sensational the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping. Make a batch on Sunday for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: The star of the show! Look for firm sweet potatoes without any blemishes.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Adds depth and savory notes to the base of the chili.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for aroma & flavor!
• 1 red bell pepper, diced: Contributes a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color. Feel free to use other colored bell peppers as well.
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Provides protein and hearty texture.
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds acidity and liquid to the chili.
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Thickens the chili and enhances the tomato flavor.
• 1 cup vegetable broth: Helps to meld all the flavors together. Feel free to use homemade or store-bought vegetable broth.
• 2 tablespoons chili powder: The key ingredient for that signature chili flavor! Adjust to your spice level preference.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a hint of smokiness, complementing the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance all the flavors.
• Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, sour cream (or vegan alternative), shredded cheese: Add your favorites!

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, drizzle a bit of olive oil and heat over medium heat (this helps prevent sticking). Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step helps release the natural sugars in the onion, building a flavorful base. Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This is the foundation for a flavorful sweet potato black bean chili recipe, creating a fragrant base that infuses every bite with savory goodness.

2. Add the Main Ingredients

Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to soften them slightly before adding the other ingredients, ensuring they cook evenly. Next, stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice – don’t drain!), tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Make sure everything is well combined so the flavors can meld together properly for the best vegan sweet potato chili. Don’t forget to check out other dinner options on our site.

3. Simmer to Perfection

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it simmers, the more all the wonderful flavors will meld together, creating a truly delicious black bean and sweet potato stew. The sweet potatoes should be tender when easily pierced with a fork, indicating they’re perfectly cooked. This is a great time to prepare your toppings!

4. Serve and Enjoy

Once the chili has simmered and the sweet potatoes are perfectly tender, it’s ready to serve. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding a pinch more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your preference. Ladle the sweet potato black bean chili into bowls and let everyone garnish their own with their favorite toppings, such as creamy diced avocado, fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream (or a vegan alternative for a fully plant-based meal), and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Enjoy your satisfying and healthy chili recipe!

5. Tips for the Perfect Chili

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the heat. For a milder chili, start with 1 tablespoon and taste as you go. For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño pepper.
• Sweet Potato Size: The size of the sweet potatoes can indeed affect the cooking time so uniformity is key. Make sure they are diced into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Broth Options: You can use vegetable broth, chicken broth (if not vegan), or even water in a pinch. However, vegetable broth adds the most flavor, enriching the overall taste of the chili.
• Topping Ideas: Get creative and experiment with your toppings! Crunchy corn chips, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can add exciting extra layers of flavor and texture.
• Storage: Store leftover sweet potato black bean chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This not only makes meal prepping easy but also makes sure you reduce wasted food. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, perfect for a quick and healthy meal on a busy weeknight.

6. Variations and Add-Ins

• Extra Vegetables: Add other vegetables like corn kernels (fresh or frozen), zucchini (diced), or spinach (stirred in at the end) for added nutrients, texture, and vibrant color.
• Protein Boost: Include lentils(red or green), quinoa, or extra beans to ramp up the protein content, making it even more satisfying.
• Smoked Flavor: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for a deeper, more complex smoky flavor that enhances the chili’s overall taste.
• Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño pepper (with seeds for more heat) or a dash of hot sauce for an extra fiery kick.
• Sweetness: A drizzle of maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. Just make sure you add a small amount at a time and taste as you go! Need a recommendation? I love this spiced sweet potato wedges recipe!

7. Serving Suggestions

This sweet potato black bean chili recipe is absolutely delicious on its own, but it also pairs exceptionally well with:

• Cornbread: A classic chili accompaniment that provides a slightly sweet contrast to the savory chili.
• Tortilla chips: For dipping and scooping up every last bit of the delicious chili.
• A side salad: A fresh and crisp salad can balance out the richness of the chili. Try this Broccoli Slaw Salad
• Baked potatoes: Spoon the chili over baked potatoes for a filling and satisfying meal.

8. Health Benefits

This healthy chili recipe is brimming with essential nutrients from the wholesome sweet potatoes and protein-packed black beans. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, which is great for digestion, while black beans are an outstanding source of plant-based protein, fiber, and iron, essential for energy levels. Together, they create a filling and nutritious meal that supports overall health and well-being. Enjoying this hearty and flavorful vegan sweet potato chili is a delicious and nourishing way to treat your body with the goodness of a colorful plant-based diet. For a quick lunch why not consider this vegan taco salad.

9. Conclusion

There you have it – a simple, incredibly delicious, and highly nutritious sweet potato black bean chili recipe. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing dish this chili is guaranteed to impress. Consider serving it with a side of baked parmesan broccoli. With a few simple steps you can enjoy this black bean and sweet potato stew. Happy cooking!

Print