Description
This Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili is a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious vegetarian dish perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with sweet potatoes, black beans, and a rich blend of spices, this slow-cooked chili is easy to prepare and delivers a delicious balance of smoky and savory flavors. Ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd, it’s both comforting and healthy.
Ingredients
Scale
Spices and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
- 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prepare Spice Mixture: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Microwave on 80% power for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave again on 80% power for 20 seconds to bloom the spices and release their flavors. Alternatively, you can bloom the spices in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Transfer the spice mixture to a large slow cooker. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sweet potatoes, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir everything to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded.
- Season to Taste: Before serving, taste the chili and add more salt if needed for seasoning.
Notes
- You can bloom the spices in a stovetop pan instead of the microwave if you prefer.
- For a thicker chili, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce liquid.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.
- Serve with toppings like avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, or sour cream for added flavor.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Keywords: sweet potato chili, black bean chili, vegetarian chili, vegan chili, slow cooker chili, healthy chili, hearty chili