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Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili is a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful plant-based dish that combines tender sweet potatoes, protein-rich black beans, and a rich tomato base infused with warming spices. This hearty chili offers a balance of vibrant textures and colors, making it perfect for any season, whether you’re vegan or simply craving a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Beans

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Liquids

  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Avocado slices
  • Lime wedges
  • Vegan sour cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes, finely chop the onion and garlic, and drain and rinse the black beans to get them ready.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add spices: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir frequently to lightly toast the spices, enhancing their aroma and flavor.
  4. Build the chili base: Add the diced sweet potatoes, canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), drained black beans, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
  5. Simmer until tender: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili has thickened to your liking.
  6. Season and serve: Taste the chili and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, or vegan sour cream.

Notes

  • Use fresh spices like chili powder and cumin for the best flavor intensity.
  • Sautéing onions and garlic first builds a savory base essential for deep flavor.
  • Dice sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking.
  • Simmer the chili uncovered to naturally thicken the sauce without added thickeners.
  • Adjust liquid by adding more broth or water if needed during simmering depending on desired consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato chili, black bean chili, vegan chili, plant-based chili, gluten-free chili, hearty chili recipe