Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe (Vegan & Gluten Free)

This Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili is the perfect comforting dish for cooler weather. Packed with hearty sweet potatoes, protein-rich black beans, and a flavorful blend of spices, this chili is both filling and nutritious. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and full of delicious flavor that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or making a big batch for meal prep, this chili is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe

Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 40-50 minutes

Ingredients:

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor, if desired)
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, adds depth)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lime juice (for serving)
Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes.
Chop the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Drain and rinse the black beans. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes aromatic.

3. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:

Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to give them a little color and soften them slightly.

4. Add the Spices and Liquids:

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and bring out their flavor.
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together to combine.

5. Simmer the Chili:

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Let the chili simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through. If the chili gets too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth or water.

6. Add the Black Beans:

Once the sweet potatoes are tender, stir in the black beans and let the chili cook for another 5-10 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.

7. Final Seasoning:

Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking. Add the lime juice for a burst of freshness right before serving.

8. Serve:

Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of vegan sour cream or cashew cream for extra richness.

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili:

Spicy Kick: If you like your chili spicier, feel free to add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices.
Toppings: This chili is great topped with vegan cheese, avocado, or tortilla chips for crunch. For extra protein, add some vegan sour cream or cashew cream.
Make it Ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for later use.
Texture Variations: For a smoother chili, you can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender and then stir it back into the pot.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili:

Hearty & Filling: Sweet potatoes provide a satisfying texture and natural sweetness, while black beans are rich in protein and fiber.
Easy to Make: This one-pot meal comes together quickly and requires minimal hands-on time. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep.
Healthy & Nourishing: Full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this chili is both nutritious and comforting.
Vegan & Gluten-Free: This recipe is suitable for everyone, whether you’re following a plant-based or gluten-free diet.

This Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili is the perfect balance of savory, hearty, and slightly sweet. It’s a nourishing, flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite side dishes. Make it for a cozy meal any time of the year!