Welcome to the world of Vegan Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili! This hearty dish is not only packed with flavor but also loaded with nutrients. Youβll learn how to whip up this chili with just a few simple steps. Plus, Iβll share my tips and tricks to enhance the taste and avoid common mistakes. Letβs dive in and make your new favorite meal that everyone will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: This chili is packed with vitamins and minerals from sweet potatoes and black beans, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Flavorful and Spicy: The combination of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika gives this dish a rich, spicy flavor that warms you from the inside out.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or add extra vegetables to suit your taste, making it a flexible option for everyone.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Β½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Measurements for Each Ingredient
Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. Here are the precise amounts:
- Sweet potatoes: 2 medium (about 2 cups diced)
- Black beans: 1 can (15 oz)
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz)
- Green bell pepper: 1 medium
- Red onion: 1 medium
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Vegetable broth: 1 cup
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Chili powder: 1 tablespoon
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: Β½ teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Fresh cilantro: for garnish, as desired
- Lime wedges: for serving, as desired
Nutritional Benefits of Key Ingredients
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C. They support your immune system and eye health. Black beans add protein and fiber, making the meal filling. They help with digestion and keep you satisfied. Tomatoes provide antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation. Bell peppers and onions add vitamins, minerals, and flavor. Garlic is known for its health benefits, such as boosting immunity. Olive oil offers healthy fats that support heart health. This chili is not just tasty; it is also good for you!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Vegetables
Start by peeling and dicing two medium sweet potatoes. Make sure the pieces are even. This helps them cook well. Next, chop one red onion and dice one green bell pepper. I love using fresh veggies for a bright taste. Mince three cloves of garlic, as this adds great flavor.
Cooking Process
In a large pot, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. SautΓ© these until they soften, about five minutes. The smell will make your kitchen feel warm and inviting. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. You want to smell the garlic but not burn it.
Now, add the diced sweet potatoes, one tablespoon of chili powder, one teaspoon of cumin, and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Toss in a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for two to three minutes. This lets the spices coat the veggies nicely.
Next, pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices and one cup of vegetable broth. Stir well and bring the mix to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cover the pot and let the chili cook for about 20 minutes. You want the sweet potatoes to be tender.
After 20 minutes, add one can of drained and rinsed black beans. Cook for another five minutes. Taste the chili and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Final Touches
Serve the chili hot. I like to garnish it with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. A lime wedge on the side is great for squeezing over the chili. This adds a nice zing! Enjoy your flavorful vegan sweet potato black bean chili.
Tips & Tricks
How to Enhance Flavor
To make your Vegan Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili even better, use fresh herbs. Fresh cilantro adds a bright taste. A squeeze of lime juice gives it a zesty kick. You can also try adding a dash of hot sauce. This will bring out the chiliβs heat and depth. For extra richness, consider adding a tablespoon of nut butter. This step adds creaminess without dairy.
Suggested Cooking Techniques
SautΓ©ing the onions and peppers is key to building flavor. Cook them until they are soft and slightly caramelized. This step brings out their natural sweetness. When you add the spices, let them cook for a minute. This activates their oils and enhances their flavor. Always stir well when you add the sweet potatoes. This helps coat them in spice, adding more depth to the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake is undercooking the sweet potatoes. Make sure they are tender before adding black beans. Overcooking can also be an issue. If you cook the chili too long, it may become mushy. Always taste as you go to adjust seasoning. If itβs too thick, just add more vegetable broth. If itβs too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor of the chili. Opt for seasonal produce whenever possible for the best taste.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of sugar to balance the heat.
- Make it Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.
- Garnish for Flavor: Donβt skip the fresh cilantro and lime wedgesβthey add a burst of freshness that elevates the overall taste of the chili.

Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash. This change adds a different texture. If you donβt have black beans, try kidney beans or pinto beans. They work well in this recipe too. For a fresher taste, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones. This will brighten up the chili and add more flavor. If you want to go gluten-free, check if your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.
Spice Level Adjustments
If you like heat, add more chili powder or some diced jalapeΓ±os. You can also use cayenne pepper for a kick. If you prefer a milder chili, cut down on the chili powder. Adding a bit of sugar can also tame spiciness. You can even serve hot sauce on the side for those who want extra heat.
Additional Ingredient Additions
Want to make your chili heartier? Add corn for a sweet crunch. Bell peppers come in many colors. Try using orange or yellow bell peppers for a fun twist. You can also toss in chopped kale or spinach for added nutrients. For a smoky flavor, add some diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Each of these changes can give your chili a unique taste and texture.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
After enjoying your chili, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, scoop some chili into a pot. Heat it on low over the stove. Stir it often to avoid burning. You can also use a microwave. Place the chili in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts. Stir between heats until warm.
Freezing Tips
For freezing, use freezer-safe containers or bags. Portion out the chili for easy meals. Make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. It can last in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this chili in a slow cooker. Start by sautΓ©ing the onion and green pepper in olive oil until soft. Then, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Mix well and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This method brings out the flavors nicely and makes it even easier.
What can I serve with Vegan Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili?
This chili pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with rice or quinoa for extra texture. Cornbread is another great choice, adding a sweet touch. You might also enjoy it with tortilla chips for a fun crunch. Add a side salad to freshen things up, or top it with avocado for creaminess.
How long does the chili last in the fridge?
Your chili will last in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container for the best results. Reheating it is simple; just warm it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.
This blog post covered the key ingredients for a vegan sweet potato black bean chili, explained how to cook it step-by-step, and shared useful tips. It also explored variations to make the dish your own and provided storage advice.
Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. With these insights, you can make a tasty chili your way. Enjoy your cookin

Spicy Vegan Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
IngredientsΒ Β
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh cilantro
- for serving lime wedges
InstructionsΒ
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. SautΓ© until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to coat the veggies.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add the black beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge on the side for squeezing over the chili.


