Imagine coming home from a busy day, craving a warm and hearty meal that will not only satisfy your hunger, but also uplift your spirits. Look no further than the Solo Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili. This delightful concoction combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich flavors of black beans and spices, creating a comforting bowl of goodness that will leave you feeling nourished and content. Follow along with our easy step-by-step recipe to create this flavorful chili, packed with nutrients and bursting with taste.
Ingredients
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are the star of this delicious chili recipe. They add a natural sweetness and a creamy texture that complements the smoky flavors of the other ingredients. You will need about three medium-sized sweet potatoes for this recipe.
Black beans
Black beans are a nutritious and hearty addition to this chili. They provide a good source of protein and fiber, making this dish both filling and satisfying. You can use canned black beans for convenience or cook dried black beans if you prefer.
Onion
Onions are a staple ingredient in many savory dishes, and they add depth and flavor to this chili. You will need one medium-sized onion, which will be sautéed with garlic to create a flavorful base for the chili.
Garlic
Garlic is a fragrant and flavorful ingredient that enhances the taste of many dishes. It pairs well with onions and adds a subtle kick to the chili. You will need a couple of cloves of garlic, which will be minced and sautéed with the onion.
Bell pepper
Bell peppers add a pop of color and tanginess to the chili. You can use any color pepper you prefer – red, green, or yellow. The bell pepper will be diced and sautéed along with the onion and garlic.
Spices
A combination of spices will give this chili its delicious flavor. You will need chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. The spices can be adjusted to your taste preference, so feel free to add more or less of each spice.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes add a rich and tangy taste to the chili. You can use either fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes. If using fresh tomatoes, make sure to peel and chop them before adding to the chili.
Vegetable broth
Vegetable broth serves as the liquid base for the chili. It adds depth of flavor and helps to create a delicious sauce. You can use store-bought vegetable broth or make your own by simmering vegetables and herbs in water.
Optional toppings
There are various toppings you can add to your chili to enhance the flavor and presentation. Some popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and sliced green onions. These toppings are optional but highly recommended for an extra flavorful experience.
Preparation
Peeling and chopping sweet potatoes
Start by peeling the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, chop the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Aim for uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Preparing black beans
If you are using canned black beans, rinse and drain them to remove any excess salt or preservatives. If you prefer to cook dried black beans, you will need to soak them overnight and then boil them until they are tender. Follow the package instructions for cooking times.
Chopping onion
Grab a cutting board and a sharp knife. Peel the onion and cut off the ends. Slice the onion in half, and then slice each half into thin strips. Finally, dice the onion into small pieces.
Mincing garlic
To mince garlic, first remove the outer skin of the cloves. Then, slice the cloves thinly. Gather the slices together and chop them into small pieces until you have minced garlic.
Dicing bell pepper
Similar to the onion, cut off the ends of the bell pepper and remove the seeds and core. Slice the pepper into thin strips and then dice the strips into small pieces.
Measuring spices
Using measuring spoons, gather the required amount of each spice listed in the ingredients section. Measure out the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper and set them aside for later use.
Preparing tomatoes
If using fresh tomatoes, start by removing the skin. Score an “X” on the bottom of each tomato and blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Transfer the tomatoes to an ice bath to cool, and then peel off the skin. Proceed to chop the tomatoes into small pieces.
Preparing vegetable broth
If you are using store-bought vegetable broth, simply measure out the required amount according to the package instructions. If you prefer to make your own vegetable broth, chop a variety of vegetables (carrots, celery, onions, etc.) and herbs (parsley, thyme, bay leaves, etc.), and simmer them in water for about an hour. Strain the broth before using it in the chili.
Cooking
Cooking the sweet potatoes
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped sweet potatoes to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help to soften the sweet potatoes slightly before adding the other ingredients.
Sautéing onion and garlic
To the pot with the sweet potatoes, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir well to combine and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. The sweet potatoes should start to develop a golden color.
Adding bell pepper and spices
Next, add the diced bell pepper to the pot, along with the measured spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper). Stir everything together to evenly distribute the spices and cook for a few more minutes until the bell pepper begins to soften.
Cooking with tomatoes and vegetable broth
Now it’s time to add the chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the chili to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Adding black beans
After the chili has simmered for about 20 minutes, add the black beans to the pot. Stir gently to combine the beans with the rest of the ingredients. At this point, you can also adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or any other spices to taste.
Simmering the chili
Cover the pot again and let the chili simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. This final step allows all the flavors to meld together and ensures that the black beans are heated through.
Serving
Garnishing and optional toppings
Once the chili is ready, it’s time to serve and garnish. You can get creative with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or sliced green onions. These toppings add an extra layer of flavor and freshness to the dish.
Serving suggestions
This solo sweet potato and black bean chili can be enjoyed on its own as a hearty and satisfying meal. However, it also pairs well with other dishes. Consider serving it with warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated for future meals.
Enjoy your homemade sweet potato and black bean chili, incorporating your desired toppings and serving it with your favorite sides. This flavorful and nutritious dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm you up on a chilly day!
