Chili is a new thing for me. I only started eating it two years ago, and man do I have some catching up to do!
It’s because of chilis like this sweet potato version that make me want to keep trying more and more.
This sweet potato chili is cozy, warm, a tiny bit spicy and super easy to make.
Here’s how you can make it your own:
Not a fan of sweet potato?
Ok, so sweet potato is a pretty important part of this recipe. But guess what? You can 100% use regular (preferably Yukon gold) potatoes for this recipe. Check out this version that uses Yukon gold potatoes.
This recipe would also work well with butternut squash or whole pumpkin (not canned) to replace the sweet potato!
Change up the veggies:
I kept it very simple here with the veggies. In the recipe, we have diced tomatoes, green bell pepper and green onions. But you can totally make it your own. Here are some ideas:
- Corn
- green beans
- peas and carrots
- cauliflower (I don’t think broccoli would be good in this)
- red onion
- yellow onion
- red or yellow bell pepper
- jalapeno or serrano pepper
- spinach or kale or swiss chard
- zucchini
- cilantro
Just keep in mind that you’re blending up a portion of this recipe to get that great chili texture. If the idea of blended up zucchini or cauliflower isn’t your jam, I recommend cooking those ingredients separately on the stove or in the oven and adding it to your chili after the sweet potato base has been blended up.
Note that the ingredients in this recipe (the bell pepper, onion and tomatoes) taste awesome blended up, but that texture might not work for all ingredients.
The protein factor:
The pinto beans are the protein in this vegan recipe.
But if you want to swap them out for black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, white beans or even tofu (that could be so good), go for it!
If you’re not vegan/vegetarian, I’d try ground meat (any kind) or shredded chicken or pork in this recipe.
You really can’t go wrong! I guess shrimp or salmon or tuna might not be ideal.
If
you use ground meat, cook it in the first step with the onions to brown it for about 5 minutes. Then follow the recipe as written.
Make or break this chili with the toppings:
Let’s be real. You can take ANY chili, any kind, and make it something completely different with the toppings.
I topped mine with sliced green onion and tortilla chips crumbled on top right before eating.
You can top this chili with cheese, radishes, shredded carrot, cilantro, a fried egg, chips, bread, croutons, avocado, olives, shredded lettuce or sour cream.
Make it your own!
How to add more volume to or double this chili:
To double this chili recipe, simply double the ingredients – but maybe cut back on the liquid (broth and water) by a cup or two. You may have to cook this in batches or in two pots at once depending on the size of your kitchen equipment.
To add more volume, an easy way would be adding an extra can of beans to the recipe (choose from the list above). Or pick another vegetable from the list above. If you eat meat, you could add more protein in the form of ground turkey, chicken, beef or pork too!
Storage and reheating notes:
This sweet potato chili lasts in the fridge for up to four days. It’s freezer friendly too! You can freeze it for up to six months.
Reheat this meal in the microwave or on the stove before eating.
Happy prepping!