As the cold weather sets in, an inviting and delicious bowl of chili is a must for even the chilliest days. With a combination of sweet potatoes, black beans, and chili spices, this hearty and fiber-filled comfort food is sure to warm you up and make your taste buds sing. For a nutrient-packed and savory meal, this Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili is the perfect one-pot solution.
1. Cozy Up to a Pot of Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili
If you’re looking for a cozy meal to stay warm while the snow gently falls outside, this Sweet Potato & Black Bean chili is just the ticket. This recipe is so easy to make, and yet packs a punch with a hint of spice and a whole lot of flavor. Plus, when paired with a cooling dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, it’ll keep your taste buds tantalized till the last spoonful.
First, begin by heating a pan over medium-high heat. Add some olive oil, then add your favorite seasoning. We recommend a combination of garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Once the spices are fragrant, add diced onion and sauté until tender. Follow the onion with diced sweet potatoes, diced bell pepper, some salt and pepper, and let everything simmer together for a few minutes.
When the vegetables are cooked through, add a can of black beans and vegetable broth. If you’re looking for a little extra heartiness, feel free to add a can or two of corn. Let the chili simmer until the sweet potatoes are nice and tender. Serve it with your favorite toppings, such as:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Cilantro
- Corn chips or Fritos
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped green onions
This chili is an easy and delicious way to eat seasonally with pantry staples. Enjoy your chili with a side of your favorite crusty bread or crackers. You can also enjoy it as is, or return the extra soup to your fridge for an effortless lunch or dinner later in the week. Enjoy!
2. A Fiber-Filled Comfort Food with Hearty Appeal
When you’re in the mood for some hearty comfort food, there’s nothing more satisfying than a big, hot bowl of creamy oatmeal. This age-old classic is loaded with good-for-you fiber and wholesome protein, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. It’ll warm your soul and fill you up in no time flat!
For an ultra-filling breakfast, start with ¾ cup of oats into a pot on the stove. Fill with two cups of liquid and a pinch of salt, and stir. Cook for about 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
When the mixture has thickened, pour in your favorite extras. Get creative and add things like:
- Fresh or dried fruits
- Nut butters or nuts
- Cinnamon, vanilla, or ginger
- Shredded coconut
- Honey, syrup or a drizzle of cream
If you’re looking for a way to change up oatmeal’s texture, try stirring in some quinoa or teff. This nutritious grain provides an interesting nutty flavor and a unique chewy texture to the breakfast bowl.
Once you’ve added all of your favorite oatmeal toppings, give your creation a final stir, and you’re ready to tuck in. Hot oatmeal can even be enjoyed on-the-go if you have some small containers; just fill them up and you’re good to go! Enjoy this timeless classic and let the comfort and flavor of fiber-filled oatmeal take you away!
3. Unleash the Deliciousness – Creating the Perfect Chilli
Chilli recipes are as varied and delicious as the many cultures from which they came. Whether you’re looking to make classic Mexican chilli con carne, a simple chilli soup, or something more inventive, here are the essential steps to creating the perfect chilli.
- Gather the right ingredients. For chilli-lovers, the spicier the better, so don’t be afraid to mix and match peppers. Chilli con carne typically includes tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, and ground beef. Other types of chilli often add beans, corn, crema, and avocado.
- Save time by preparing your ingredients in advance. You can easily dice the onions, peppers, and garlic, and brown the ground beef ahead of time. Pre-cooking also gives your chilli a richer flavor.
- Start cooking the chilli by sautéing the vegetables in a pot or large pan. Once they’re cooked, add the ground beef, and mix it all up. If you have a slow cooker, you can transfer the mixture to the crockpot at this point.
- For added punch, add a few table spoons of chili seasoning, a dollop of tomato paste, and some tomato sauce. If you like more heat, add a few extra splashes of your favorite hot sauce and a teaspoon of cumin.
The Finishing Touches: Now that the beef and vegetables are cooked, add the beans and corn (if desired). Add some chicken or beef broth to thin out the dish. Finally, adjust the seasoning, add some extra hot sauce, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a bit of chocolate to give your chili an interesting depth.
Once everything’s been added, let the chilli simmer, stirring occasionally for 30 to 60 minutes. Serve over rice or noodles, and top with your favorite garnishes. Fun additions like guacamole, cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños can really take your chilli to the next level.
4. Warmer Meals Beyond Chili – Ideas for Sweet Potato & Black Bean Dishes
Chili is a classic, but why not switch it up with some sweet potato and black bean dishes? These ingredients create a unique flavor combination that can be spiced up or softened depending on personal preference. Here are five recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds:
- Curried Sweet Potato & Black Bean Stew –
This warm stew is studded with sweet potatoes, black beans, and coconut milk that’s been simmered in a red curry sauce. Spice it up with an extra helping of cayenne pepper for an extra bite. - Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas –
Turn up the heat and twist traditional enchiladas with this Mexican-inspired dish. Start by filling corn tortillas with a mixture of refried black beans, sweet potatoes, and veggies, then top it all off with a layer of enchilada sauce and your favorite cheese. - Fajita Bowls with Sweet Potato & Black Beans –
Create your ideal bowl by layering a base of brown rice, sweet potato, black beans, and your favorite fajita-style vegetables. Squeeze some lime juice over it all and enjoy the melting medley of flavors. - Sweet Potato & Black Bean Quesadillas –
For a tasty handheld option, stuff tortillas with mashed sweet potatoes, refried black beans, and a sprinkle of cheese. Grill it up and top with fresh veggies for a blissful bite-sized meal. - Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burrito –
Can’t go wrong with a burrito! Start by mashing cooked sweet potatoes and refried black beans together. Stuff them into a warm tortilla and top with sour cream and avocado slices for a fiesta in a wrap.
No matter how you decide to prepare this amazing combo of sweet potatoes and black beans, you’re sure to find a dish that will keep you coming back for seconds or even thirds. Cook up something extraordinary with these five recipes and you’re guaranteed to be wowed.
A warm bowl of Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili is the perfect comfort food; it’s hearty, nutritious, and delicious all in one. Whether you’re huddling up for a cozy night in or looking for a nutrient-packed meal, this chili is an oh-so satisfying way to satisfy your hunger and boost your health. So go ahead, grab yourself a big spoon, and enjoy!
