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Smoky Chipotle Sweet Potato Chili

Smoky Chipotle Sweet Potato Chili

Smoky Chipotle Sweet Potato Chili is a hearty, vibrant, and comforting dish that balances the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the deep smoky heat of chipotle peppers. Packed with wholesome vegetables, beans, and bold spices, this easy-to-make chili is perfect for cozy dinners, suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets, and ideal for leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Beans and Tomatoes

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Spices and Flavorings

  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Oils

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cups vegetable broth

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Diced avocado
  • Sour cream or vegan yogurt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Open and drain the cans of beans and tomatoes, and chop the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, creating a flavorful base.
  3. Add Spices and Chipotle: Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to toast and release the spices’ aroma. Add the chopped chipotle peppers, adjusting quantity for desired heat and smokiness.
  4. Mix in Sweet Potatoes, Beans, and Tomatoes: Pour in diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans, and add the cubed sweet potatoes. Stir to combine and coat the sweet potatoes with spices and tomato juices.
  5. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour vegetable broth over the ingredients just enough to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally until sweet potatoes are tender and chili has thickened.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chipotle peppers as needed. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Notes

  • Cut sweet potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent mushiness.
  • Adjust chipotle pepper quantity starting with one to control heat level.
  • If chili thickens too much while simmering, add a splash of broth or water to loosen consistency.
  • Fresh lime juice brightens and balances smoky and sweet flavors—don’t skip it.
  • Allow chili to rest 10-15 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: chipotle chili, sweet potato chili, vegan chili, gluten free chili, hearty chili, smoky chili