Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Chili

This Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Chili is a hearty, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s perfect for those on a plant-based diet. With just 420 calories per serving, it’s a budget-friendly meal that is oil-free, gluten-free, and loaded with 18g of plant-based protein. This one-pot meal is perfect for meal prep and can be made in 30 minutes using either a stovetop or Instant Pot. Packed with nutritious sweet potatoes, kidney beans, and a blend of spices, it’s a comforting dish that’s as filling as it is delicious.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

  • 3 green bell peppers, diced

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes

  • 3 cups or 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed

  • ½ onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed

  • 2 cans kidney beans, rinsed

  • 1 tsp salt

  • Pepper to taste

  • 2 tsp cumin

  • 1 tsp paprika powder

  • ½ tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp oregano

  • Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro

  • ¾ cup water (for stovetop or Instant Pot)

Directions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Add all ingredients (bell peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, kidney beans, spices, and water) into a large pot or Instant Pot (6 qt).

  2. Stovetop Method: Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.

  3. Instant Pot Method: Set the Instant Pot to Meat/Stew mode on high pressure for 5 minutes with the valve closed.

  4. Serve: Top with avocado and fresh cilantro for extra flavor and nutrition.

Nutrients

  • Calories: 420 kcal

  • Total Fat: 2.22g

  • Cholesterol: 0mg

  • Carbohydrates: 89g

  • Fiber: 18g

  • Protein: 18g

  • Sodium: 109mg

  • Potassium: 720mg

  • Vitamin A: 2826 IU

  • Vitamin C: 126mg

  • Calcium: 55mg

  • Iron: 3mg

Why Choose Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Chili?

Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Chili offers a variety of benefits, both in terms of nutrition and practicality. First and foremost, it is a plant-based, oil-free, and gluten-free meal that is accessible to a wide range of dietary preferences. The chili is naturally high in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. With 18 grams of plant-based protein per serving, this chili is an excellent choice for those looking to boost their protein intake without relying on animal products. Protein is essential for muscle growth, immune function, and tissue repair, making it an important macronutrient in any diet.

Sweet potatoes, the star of this recipe, are packed with essential nutrients. They are an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. Sweet potatoes also provide vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals and supports collagen production. Additionally, sweet potatoes are rich in potassium, which is important for regulating blood pressure and supporting proper muscle and nerve function. By including sweet potatoes in this chili, you are adding a nutrient-dense ingredient that offers both flavor and health benefits.

Kidney beans, another key ingredient in this chili, are also packed with protein and fiber. They are a great source of plant-based iron, which is important for transporting oxygen in the blood, and they provide magnesium, which supports muscle function and bone health. Beans, in general, are also known for their ability to help lower cholesterol levels and support heart health, making them an excellent addition to any diet.

Nutritional Benefits of Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Chili

Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Chili is a nutrient powerhouse, offering a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and other health benefits. With 18 grams of protein per serving, this chili helps meet your daily protein needs. The kidney beans and sweet potatoes provide a perfect combination of plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber, making the dish both satisfying and nutritious.

One of the standout features of this chili is its high fiber content, with 18 grams of fiber per serving. Fiber plays a crucial role in digestive health, helping to keep the digestive system functioning properly and preventing constipation. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those looking to maintain stable energy throughout the day. Additionally, fiber supports heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

This chili is also an excellent source of vitamins A and C. The sweet potatoes provide a generous dose of vitamin A, which supports eye health, boosts the immune system, and promotes healthy skin. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it is important to consume it with a small amount of fat to ensure proper absorption. The tomatoes and bell peppers in this chili also contribute a significant amount of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, collagen production, and wound healing.

The chili is low in fat, with just 2.22 grams per serving, making it a heart-healthy option. The small amount of fat comes primarily from the natural fats found in the vegetables and beans, providing the necessary nutrients to aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. There is also no cholesterol in the chili, making it a heart-healthy meal for those looking to lower their cholesterol levels.

The potassium content in this dish is another benefit. Potassium is important for regulating blood pressure, balancing fluids in the body, and supporting proper muscle and nerve function. With 720 milligrams of potassium per serving, this chili helps ensure that your body maintains proper fluid balance and muscle function, making it an excellent meal for those with an active lifestyle.

Meal Prep and Storage for Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Chili

One of the major advantages of Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Chili is its suitability for meal prepping. You can easily make a large batch of this chili in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. This makes it an ideal option for busy individuals who want a healthy, filling meal without spending time cooking every day.

Once cooked, the chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for easy access later. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat the chili on the stovetop or in the microwave, making it a quick and convenient meal for busy days.

Meal prepping with Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Chili not only saves time but also ensures that you always have a healthy, nutritious meal available. Whether you need a quick lunch or dinner, or you want to stock up for the week ahead, this chili is a great option to have on hand.

Customizing Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Chili

Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Chili is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients and spices to suit your tastes. While the recipe calls for green bell peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and kidney beans, you can swap out or add other vegetables depending on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

For example, you can add corn, carrots, or even kale to the chili to increase the vegetable content. If you prefer a spicier chili, you can increase the amount of chili powder, paprika, or cumin, or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas, to vary the flavor and texture of the dish.

If you’re looking to add more protein to the chili, you can stir in some cooked quinoa, lentils, or tofu for added texture and nutrition. These additions can make the chili even more filling and satisfying, especially if you’re serving it as a main course for a family or group.

For those who enjoy a bit of creaminess in their chili, you can top it with a dollop of vegan sour cream or coconut yogurt. You can also sprinkle some fresh cilantro, green onions, or avocado on top for extra flavor and nutrition. The versatility of this dish means you can easily adapt it to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Chili is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides to create a more substantial meal. Serve the chili with a side of cornbread, crackers, or a slice of whole-grain bread to make the meal more filling. You can also pair it with a fresh salad to add some extra greens and fiber to your meal.

For a heartier meal, you can serve the chili over a bed of rice or quinoa to make it even more filling. The chili’s rich flavor and hearty texture pair wonderfully with grains, creating a balanced, satisfying meal.

If you like your chili with a little extra heat, you can serve it with a side of spicy salsa, hot sauce, or pickled jalapeños. These additions will enhance the flavor and give the dish an extra punch of heat, making it perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals.

Conclusion

Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Chili is a nutritious, delicious, and versatile meal that is perfect for busy days or meal prepping for the week ahead. Packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, this chili offers a wholesome, satisfying meal that supports your health and energy levels throughout the day. Whether you’re following a vegan diet, looking for a gluten-free option, or simply want to enjoy a hearty, flavorful dish, this chili is a perfect choice.

With its combination of sweet potatoes, kidney beans, and a blend of spices, Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Chili delivers a comforting and filling meal that can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. It’s an excellent option for those who want a quick, healthy meal that is both nourishing and delicious. With its ability to be made in bulk, stored for later, and enjoyed in a variety of ways, this chili is sure to become a go-to recipe for any busy home cook.

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