This Sweet Potato Chili is a warm, hearty dish packed with soft sweet potatoes, beans, and yummy spices. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or chilly nights!
Trust me, it’s a go-to recipe for when I want something comforting. Plus, it’s veggie-packed, so it feels a bit healthier. Your taste buds will thank you! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing. If you’re looking for a different flavor, try avocado oil or coconut oil. Both work well and add a unique taste.
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are the star here! If you can’t get sweet potatoes, you could use regular potatoes or butternut squash for a similar texture.
Black Beans: These add protein and heartiness. If you’re not a fan, feel free to substitute with kidney beans or chickpeas. They all blend nicely in chili.
Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes make this dish easy and quick! For a fresher taste, use diced fresh tomatoes, but you may want to add a bit of water to the pot.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin are must-haves for flavor! If you’re out of chili powder, you can use paprika with a bit of cayenne pepper instead to keep the heat.
How Can I Get the Sweet Potatoes Just Right?
Perfect sweet potatoes are key! Here’s how to cook them to perfection:
- Peel and cube them into 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly.
- Add them in when you mix everything together with beans and tomatoes—this helps them absorb flavors.
- Keep them covered while simmering so the steam cooks them through more quickly.
- Check for tenderness after about 25 minutes; they should be easy to pierce with a fork, but not mushy!
This way, your chili will have the best texture and flavor with those perfectly cooked sweet potatoes!
Sweet Potato Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Diced avocado (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Sweet Potato Chili takes about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying this warm, comforting dish in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. This brings out the sweetness in the onion.
2. Add Flavorful Veggies:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until they’re fragrant and softened. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Toast the Spices:
Now it’s time to add the seasoning! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 1 minute to bring out the flavors.
4. Combine Everything:
Add in the cubed sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Mix everything well so the sweet potatoes are coated with the spices and juices.
5. Simmer Away:
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes. Check occasionally, stirring to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. The chili is done when sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste your chili! Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if you’d like it spicier. Every palate is different!
7. Serve it Up:
Now, ladle your delicious chili into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and diced avocado for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy every comforting bite of your hearty Sweet Potato Chili!
Can I Use Other Types of Beans?
Absolutely! If black beans aren’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas. Each will add a bit of a different flavor but will still work well in the chili.
How Can I Thicken the Chili?
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the sweet potatoes with a fork or a potato masher after simmering, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water. Stir it in and let it cook for a few more minutes to thicken.
Can I Freeze Leftover Chili?
Yes, Sweet Potato Chili freezes well! Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What Can I Serve with This Chili?
This chili is fantastic on its own, but you can also serve it with cornbread, over rice, or with tortilla chips for added crunch. Top with cheese or sour cream for extra richness!
