Print

Hearty Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili

hearty black bean and sweet potato chili - featured image

A quick and easy 30-minute chili that balances the sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the earthiness of black beans, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime
  • Small handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 4 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  4. Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously to toast the spices for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
  5. Add the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
  7. Remove the lid, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and stir to brighten the flavors.
  8. Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve with crusty bread, sour cream, or Greek yogurt.

Notes

Toast spices in hot oil to unlock deep flavors. Cut sweet potatoes uniformly for even cooking. Keep heat medium to avoid burning garlic. Simmer with lid partially on to concentrate flavors. Add broth if chili becomes too thick. Lime juice brightens the dish and should not be skipped.

Nutrition

Keywords: black bean chili, sweet potato chili, easy chili recipe, vegetarian chili, vegan chili, gluten-free chili, quick dinner, comfort food