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To make Vegan Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili, gather these key items: - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, including all juices - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended) These ingredients bring a wonderful mix of flavors and textures. Sweet potatoes add creaminess. Black beans provide protein and fiber. Diced tomatoes bring acidity and sweetness. Onion, garlic, and bell pepper create a savory base. Spices enhance the taste of the chili. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on desired spiciness) - Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste Chili powder gives warmth. Cumin adds earthiness. Smoked paprika lends a subtle smoky flavor. Cayenne pepper brings heat, so adjust to your liking. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Garnishes make the dish special. You can add: - Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish - Slices of ripe avocado, for serving Consider serving with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. These garnishes not only add flavor but also color and freshness to the dish. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. 1. First, grab a large pot and heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will get the pot ready for the veggies. 2. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally, so they become soft and clear. 3. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook it for 1-2 minutes. You want it to smell nice without burning. 1. Now, it’s time to mix in the sweet potatoes. Add them to the pot along with the spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. 2. Sprinkle in a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Stir everything well. You want the sweet potatoes to get a nice coat of spices. 3. Pour in the vegetable broth. Then, add the diced tomatoes with their juices and the black beans. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly. 1. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, cover the pot and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking. 2. After the cook time, check the sweet potatoes. They should be soft when you poke them with a fork. 3. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to make it just right. 4. Once you adjust the seasoning, take the pot off the heat. Let the chili sit for a few minutes to let the flavors blend together. Now you're ready to serve your Vegan Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili! For the full recipe, check out the detailed guide. Balancing Spices to Taste Start with the right amount of spices. I suggest using two tablespoons of chili powder. You can add more if you prefer a stronger flavor. For a smoky kick, use smoked paprika. If you like heat, sprinkle in cayenne pepper. Always taste your chili as it cooks. Adjust the spices based on what you enjoy. Letting the Chili Rest for Enhanced Flavor After cooking, let the chili sit for a few minutes. This rest time helps the flavors blend. The longer it rests, the better it tastes. You can even make it a day ahead. Reheating the chili will only improve its flavor. Best Pot for Cooking Chili A heavy-bottomed pot works best for chili. It helps distribute heat evenly. A Dutch oven is perfect for this. It can handle high heat and retains warmth well. Tools for Easy Prep Use a sharp knife for chopping vegetables. A good cutting board is also needed. This makes prep quick and easy. Consider a sturdy spoon for stirring the chili as it cooks. Ideal Pairings and Accompaniments Serve the chili with warm cornbread or tortilla chips. Both add a nice crunch. You can also pair it with a simple salad. This adds freshness to your meal. Presentation Ideas for Serving Serve chili in deep bowls to keep it warm. Top with fresh cilantro and avocado slices. This not only looks great but also adds flavor. Enjoy the vibrant colors on your plate! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. {{image_4}} You can easily change the beans in this chili. Pinto or kidney beans work well too. They add a nice texture and taste. If you're looking for more protein, try adding tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors well and keep your dish hearty. Want to elevate your chili? Add more vegetables! Zucchini and carrots fit perfectly. They add color and nutrition. You can also play with herbs. Fresh thyme or oregano can bring a new twist to the classic flavor. Don’t be shy about experimenting! Thinking about spice? You can adjust the heat easily. Add more cayenne pepper for a kick. Or, if it’s too hot, add more sweet potatoes or beans to cool it down. For an extra spicy version, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your Vegan Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration Tips: Let the chili cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. This helps maintain the flavors and texture. - Freezing for Longer Storage: For longer storage, pour the chili into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. Label the containers with the date to keep track. When you're ready to enjoy your chili again, use these methods: - Best Methods for Reheating: The best way to reheat chili is on the stove. Pour it into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s hot. You can also use the microwave for quick heating. Just cover the bowl and heat it in short bursts. - Tips for Keeping the Chili Flavorful: Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if it’s too thick. Stir well to mix and maintain its rich taste. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed after reheating. Don't let those leftovers go to waste! Here are creative recipes using leftover chili: - Chili Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with the chili. Bake until the peppers are tender. - Chili Tacos: Use the chili as a filling for tacos. Top with fresh cilantro and avocado for extra flavor. - Chili Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chili over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Drizzle with lime juice for a zesty kick. Feel free to explore more in the Full Recipe, which offers a delicious way to enjoy this plant-based dish. This chili lasts about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It’s best to let the chili cool before sealing it. When reheating, heat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot all the way through. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it. Yes, you can make this chili in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For a slow cooker, simply add all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the onion, garlic, and bell pepper first. Then add the rest of the ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then let it release naturally for about 10 minutes. Both methods will yield a tasty chili. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. All the ingredients, like sweet potatoes and black beans, are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on your vegetable broth and any canned items. Some brands may add gluten-containing ingredients. This chili is packed with nutrients. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C. Black beans provide protein and fiber, which are great for digestion. The spices add flavor and may have health benefits too. Overall, this dish is a hearty meal that supports a balanced diet. For more details about the recipe, check the Full Recipe. This blog post covered every step to make vegan sweet potato black bean chili. We started with key ingredients and spices, then moved to cooking techniques. I shared tips for flavor and storage, including reheating and using leftovers creatively. Remember, you can adjust the heat and ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and variations. This chili is not just easy to make; it's also nutritious and satisfying. Dive in and make a pot today!

Vegan Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Warm up with a bowl of flavorful sweet potato and black bean chili that’s both delicious and nutritious! This easy recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, featuring hearty ingredients like sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices for a perfect blend of flavors. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a cozy dinner, this chili is sure to satisfy. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking today!

Ingredients
  

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes

1 can (15 oz) black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, including all juices

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on desired spiciness)

Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish

Slices of ripe avocado, for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and translucent.

    Add the minced garlic to the pot, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.

      Incorporate the diced sweet potatoes into the pot. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a generous pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Stir well to coat the sweet potatoes evenly with the spices.

        Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the black beans. Mix all ingredients thoroughly, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

          Cover the pot and allow the chili to cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

            Once cooked, taste the chili and modify the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder to boost the flavor profile.

              After adjusting the seasoning, remove the pot from heat and let the chili rest for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

                Serve the chili hot, generously garnished with fresh cilantro and topped with creamy avocado slices.

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in deep bowls to keep the chili warm, and consider pairing with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. Enjoy!

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4