Embrace the comforting flavors of winter with these 20 cozy sweet potato and black bean chili recipes, each designed to warm your soul and brighten chilly days. Perfectly spiced and hearty, these dishes are sure to become your seasonal favorites.
Steps
- Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced sweet potato and onion; cook, stirring often, for about 4 minutes until the onion starts to soften.
- Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, chipotle, and salt; stir constantly for 30 seconds.
- Pour in water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover the pot, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook until the sweet potato is tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, and lime juice; increase heat to high to return to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer until slightly thickened, around 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium-large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground chipotle chile
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2½ cups water
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 teaspoons lime juice
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Nutritional Values
Calories: 323 | Total Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Total Carbohydrate: 55g | Dietary Fiber: 16g | Total Sugars: 13g | Protein: 13g | Sodium: 573mg | Vitamin A: 12409IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 164mg | Iron: 5mg | Magnesium: 42mg | Potassium: 1073mg | Folate: 118mcg | % Daily Value – Total Carbohydrate: 20% | Dietary Fiber: 56% | Protein: 25% | Total Fat: 10% | Saturated Fat: 6% | Vitamin A: 248% | Vitamin C: 27% | Calcium: 13% | Iron: 29% | Sodium: 25% | Potassium: 23% | Magnesium: 10% | Folate: 29%
FAQ
- Is this Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili vegan?
- Yes, this chili is vegan since it doesn’t include any animal-derived ingredients.
- Can herbs and spices have health benefits?
- Absolutely, the herbs and spices in this dish, such as cilantro, cumin, and chipotle, are rich in antioxidants and can benefit heart health, reduce inflammation, and even boost mood. However, they should be used in moderation as they might interact with certain medications.
- Are black beans a nutritious choice?
- Yes, black beans are a fantastic plant-based protein source, full of vitamins and minerals. They provide about 7 grams of fiber per half-cup serving and may help lower the risk of diseases like heart disease and diabetes due to their low glycemic index.
- Should I peel the sweet potatoes for this recipe?
- Peeling sweet potatoes is optional and depends on your personal preference. Peeling them can help the potatoes break down and thicken the chili, while leaving the skin on adds fiber and texture to the dish.
- Can I prepare this chili in advance?
- Certainly! You can refrigerate the chili for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months, making it a convenient make-ahead meal.
Tips
- Sweet Potato Peeling Options: Decide whether to peel your sweet potatoes based on your texture preference. Peeling them helps thicken the chili, while leaving the skins on boosts fiber content and adds texture. If you choose not to peel, ensure they are scrubbed clean before chopping.
- Managing Spice Levels: Adjust the spice to your liking by substituting ground chipotle with regular chili powder for a milder flavor, or skip it altogether if preferred. Alternatively, use one chopped chipotle in adobo sauce if ground chipotle is unavailable.
- Garnishing Suggestions: Enhance your chili with garnishes like Monterrey Jack or Cheddar cheese, slices of radish, scallions, or chopped sweet onions. For added creaminess, try avocado or sour cream, and consider adding fresh tomatoes or roasted corn for more vegetables.
- Make-Ahead and Storage Tips: This chili can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
