Hearty & Healthy Sweet Potato Black Bean Chilli: Your Go-To Vegan Comfort Meal
Discover the ultimate sweet potato black bean chilli – a wonderfully hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying vegan meal that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor. Incredibly quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for any day of the week!
As the year begins, many of us turn our thoughts towards healthier eating and nourishing our bodies. There’s no better way to kick off a fresh start than with a meal that truly makes you feel good from the inside out. This sweet potato black bean chilli is exactly that – a perfect blend of comfort, health, and ease, designed to warm you up and lift your spirits, especially on those days when you might be battling a pesky cold, as I unfortunately was when first creating this recipe! Here’s hoping that wholesome, nourishing dishes like this one help us all feel better and stay vibrant.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Vegan Chilli
This sweet potato black bean chilli has become a staple in my kitchen, particularly during the cooler months of autumn and winter. Its popularity stems from several fantastic qualities:
- Effortless & Quick Preparation: Life is busy, and we all need go-to meals that don’t demand hours in the kitchen. This recipe is genuinely quick and straightforward, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner.
- Hearty, Warming & Incredibly Filling: There’s something undeniably comforting about a rich, warm bowl of chilli. The combination of sweet potatoes and black beans creates a substantial texture that satisfies hunger and provides lasting energy without feeling heavy.
- Perfectly Spiced, Not Overpowering: The chilli is seasoned with a thoughtful blend of spices that offers a delightful warmth and depth of flavor. It’s spiced just right to be enjoyable for the whole family, even those with more sensitive palates. The chipotle paste adds a smoky kick, which you can easily adjust – reduce it for a milder taste or increase it if you love an extra fiery punch!
- Nutritious & Wholesome: Loaded with nutrient-dense sweet potatoes and protein-rich black beans, this chilli is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.
- Fantastic for Meal Prep: Leftovers are a true gift, and this chilli shines in that department. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days, making it perfect for quick and easy lunches. I often enjoy it spooned over a fluffy baked potato, but the possibilities are endless!
The Star Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans
The magic of this chilli largely lies in its two main components: sweet potatoes and black beans. Each brings unique qualities that contribute to the dish’s overall excellence.
Sweet Potatoes: Natural Sweetness and Creamy Texture
Sweet potatoes are more than just a delicious root vegetable; they are a nutritional goldmine. Packed with vitamins A and C, manganese, and fiber, they add a subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the savory spices of the chilli. As they cook, they become wonderfully tender and slightly creamy, contributing to the rich, comforting texture of the dish. This natural sweetness is key to creating a well-rounded flavor profile that appeals to even those who might typically shy away from spicy foods.
Black Beans: Protein Powerhouse and Heartiness
Black beans are the backbone of this vegan chilli, providing an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. They are what makes this chilli truly hearty and filling, ensuring you feel satisfied for hours after your meal. Beyond their nutritional benefits, black beans add a robust, earthy flavor and a pleasing texture that complements the softness of the sweet potatoes. They’re also incredibly affordable and versatile, making them a pantry staple for healthy cooking.
Customizing Your Vegan Sweet Potato Chilli
One of the best aspects of chilli is its adaptability. This sweet potato black bean chilli recipe provides a fantastic base that you can easily tailor to your preferences and what you have on hand.
- Veggie Swaps: While sweet potato is a star, you can absolutely swap it out or add other vegetables. Diced pumpkin or butternut squash make excellent alternatives, bringing a similar sweetness and creamy texture. Bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
- Adjusting the Spice: The chipotle paste is where much of the smoky heat comes from. If you prefer it milder, use less; for a more intense heat, feel free to add a little extra or include a pinch of cayenne pepper. For fresh heat and brightness, a finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper can be added with the other spices.
- Boosting the Flavor: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end can brighten all the flavors beautifully. A teaspoon of cocoa powder might seem unusual, but it can add an unexpected depth and richness to the chilli without making it taste like chocolate.
- Making it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming your soy sauce is gluten-free (tamari is a great alternative). Always double-check labels if this is a concern.
How To Make Sweet Potato Black Bean Chilli: A Step-by-Step Guide
(For a detailed list of ingredients and full instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located below.)
Making this delicious sweet potato black bean chilli is incredibly simple. Here’s a deeper dive into each step, offering tips to ensure your chilli turns out perfectly every time.
The journey to a perfect bowl of chilli begins with building a strong flavor base.
- **Sautéing the Aromatics and Spices:** Start by heating the olive oil in a large, sturdy pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook it gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes wonderfully soft and translucent. Don’t rush this step – allowing the onion to caramelize slightly adds a crucial layer of sweetness and depth to the chilli. Once the onion is soft, stir in the crushed garlic, ground coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon, along with the finely chopped red chilli. Cook for an additional two minutes, continuing to stir constantly. This brief toasting of the spices in the hot oil helps to release their aromatic compounds, intensifying their flavor before the liquid ingredients are added. You’ll notice a fragrant aroma filling your kitchen – that’s how you know you’re on the right track!
- **Introducing the Sweet Potatoes and Liquid Base:** Next, peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into roughly 1-inch (2cm) dice. Aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Add these diced sweet potatoes to the pan, stirring to coat them with the fragrant spice mixture. Pour in the two tins of chopped tomatoes, the chipotle paste (adjusting to your desired heat level), soy sauce, dark brown soft sugar, and water. Season with a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a thorough stir to combine all the ingredients.
- **Simmering to Perfection and Finishing Touches:** Bring the chilli mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 20 minutes. The goal here is for the sweet potatoes to become tender when pierced with a fork. Once the sweet potatoes are soft, drain and rinse your two tins of black beans thoroughly before adding them to the pan. Stir them in and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, just long enough for the beans to heat through. Before serving, taste the chilli and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Serve your delicious sweet potato black bean chilli hot with your favorite accompaniments.
Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Chilli
The beauty of this sweet potato black bean chilli lies not just in its flavor, but also in the myriad ways it can be served. While delicious on its own, a thoughtful array of toppings and sides can elevate it to an extraordinary meal:
- Classic with Rice: Brown or white rice is a traditional accompaniment, providing a neutral base that soaks up all the rich flavors of the chilli. For an extra nutritional boost, try serving it with quinoa or farro.
- Baked Potato Perfection: As mentioned, I love my leftovers piled high on a steaming baked potato. The soft, fluffy interior of the potato is the perfect contrast to the chilli’s texture.
- Garnishes Galore: This is where you can truly personalize your bowl!
- Creaminess: A dollop of sour cream or, for a vegan option, a swirl of vegan sour cream or plain plant-based yogurt (unsweetened) adds a cooling contrast.
- Cheesy Goodness: Grated cheddar cheese is a classic, but if you’re keeping it vegan, there are many excellent dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives available now.
- Freshness: Diced avocado adds a creamy, rich texture and healthy fats. A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro (coriander) brings a burst of herbaceous freshness.
- Tang & Spice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the flavors. Sliced red chilli or jalapeños (fresh or pickled) can add an extra layer of heat and crunch.
- Crunch: Crushed tortilla chips or homemade crispy fried onions can add a delightful textural element.
- Beyond the Bowl:
- Chilli Nachos: Spoon it over tortilla chips and top with cheese (dairy or vegan), then bake until melted.
- Chilli Burritos/Tacos: Use it as a filling for warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.
- Chilli Dogs (Vegan Style): Serve it over your favorite vegan hot dogs in buns.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill halved bell peppers with chilli and bake until tender.
If you tried this recipe, we’d love to see your creation! Why not tag @domestic_gothess on Instagram and use the hashtag #domesticgothess?
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Sweet Potato Black Bean Chilli (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 large brown onion peeled and diced
- 4 cloves garlic peeled and crushed
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 red chilli deseeded and finely chopped
- 2 large/3 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 400g (14oz) tins chopped tomatoes
- 2 tsp chipotle chilli paste
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- ½ Tbsp dark brown soft sugar
- 250 ml (1 cup) water
- 2 400g (14oz) tins black beans rinsed and drained
- salt to taste
- cooked rice, sour cream, grated cheddar (or vegan cheese), diced avocado and chopped coriander to serve
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large pan and add the onion; cook gently for about 10 minutes until soft. Add the garlic, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, cinnamon and chopped red chilli and cook for two more minutes whilst stirring.
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Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into approx 2cm/1 inch dice. Add them to the pan along with the tomatoes, chipotle paste, soy sauce, sugar, water and some salt and pepper.
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Bring up to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are soft. Add the black beans and simmer for 5 more minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed then serve with rice, sour cream, grated cheese, diced avocado and chopped coriander.
This recipe was originally created for DIYs. Be sure to check them out for more fantastic craft and recipe ideas!
Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly evening, a healthy dinner option, or a fantastic dish for meal prep, this sweet potato black bean chilli ticks all the boxes. Its simple preparation, wholesome ingredients, and incredible flavor make it a recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again. Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of this truly satisfying vegan creation!