Sweet potato and black bean chilli

A gently smoky black bean chilli becomes rich as sweet potato softens into the tomatoes.

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 15 minutes to prepare plus 35 minutes to cook. Metric and imperial quantities are alternate measurements, so use one system rather than adding both. If you change the yield, keep the pan size and thickness of the food in mind: a crowded pan steams food and a deep baking dish can extend the cooking time.

Equipment

Set out large casserole with lid, wooden spoon, knife, ladle. A wide pan gives moisture somewhere to evaporate; for an oven dish, leave space between pieces so heat can circulate. Use separate board and knife surfaces for raw protein and foods that will be eaten without further cooking.

Ingredients

You will need: sweet potato, diced: 600 g (1 lb 5 oz); black beans, drained and rinsed: 480 g (2 cans); onion, diced: 150 g (5 oz); garlic, crushed: 9 g (3 cloves); olive oil: 15 ml (1 tbsp); chipotle paste: 15 g (2 tsp); dried oregano: 2 g (1 tsp); chopped tomatoes: 800 g (28 oz); Greek yoghurt: 150 g (⅔ cup). Gather the ingredients before heating the pan so the aromatics do not burn while a measurement is being found.

• sweet potato, diced — 600 g / 1 lb 5 oz
• black beans, drained and rinsed — 480 g / 2 cans
• onion, diced — 150 g / 5 oz
• garlic, crushed — 9 g / 3 cloves
• olive oil — 15 ml / 1 tbsp
• chipotle paste — 15 g / 2 tsp
• dried oregano — 2 g / 1 tsp
• chopped tomatoes — 800 g / 28 oz
• Greek yoghurt — 150 g / ⅔ cup

Method

Read the full method once, then prepare the ingredients in the order listed. Keep raw and ready-to-eat ingredients separate, and wash hands and equipment after raw-protein contact.

Step 1

Cook onion in olive oil for 5 minutes, then add garlic, chipotle paste and dried oregano for 30 seconds.

Step 2

Add sweet potato and chopped tomatoes. Cover and simmer for 22 minutes, stirring once, until the sweet potato is almost tender.

Step 3

Stir in black beans and simmer uncovered for 8 minutes until the chilli is thick and the sweet potato is fully tender.

Step 4

Spoon Greek yoghurt over each serving and serve the chilli steaming hot.

Cooking and safety check

Bring the chilli to a full simmer and heat black beans until steaming before serving. A time estimate and a browned surface do not prove that the centre is cooked. Use a suitable food thermometer where the ingredient or local guidance requires one, and follow the package or official instructions for the specific food.

Substitutions that respect the dish

A substitution should preserve the recipe’s job, not merely its colour. Use cannellini beans for black beans. Use mild chilli powder instead of chipotle paste. Use a dairy-free yoghurt for Greek yoghurt; check the label for soy or nut allergens.

• Use cannellini beans for black beans.
• Use mild chilli powder instead of chipotle paste.
• Use a dairy-free yoghurt for Greek yoghurt; check the label for soy or nut allergens.

Allergen notes

This recipe contains or may contain milk. Check every packaged ingredient because formulations and cross-contact warnings vary.

Common mistakes and how to correct them

Use one troubleshooting change at a time. If the centre is undercooked, return it to the appropriate heat and check again rather than relying on the outside colour. If the pan is dry, add liquid gradually; if it is watery, reduce uncovered. Texture may also reflect crowded equipment, a different ingredient size, or a changed batch quantity.

• If the chilli catches, reduce heat and stir more often.
• A loose chilli needs extra uncovered simmering.
• Add chipotle gradually if your paste is particularly hot.

Leftovers and storage

Refrigerate cooled chilli for up to three days or freeze for one month. Reheat once to a bubbling, steaming state; add yoghurt after reheating.

Serving ideas

These sides and finishes suit sweet potato and black bean chilli without changing the recipe itself.

• Baked potatoes
• Coriander rice
• Crunchy tortilla chips

Frequently asked questions

Can I make it ahead?

Yes; its flavour develops overnight in the refrigerator.

Can I add more vegetables?

Red pepper can be cooked with the onion without changing the method.

Related recipes and tools

Browse the related recipes for a different appliance, pace, or ingredient pairing. Use the serving scaler only after checking the stated yield, and use the storage guide before deciding whether to save a portion. Related links help with the next decision; they do not make this recipe suitable for every diet or kitchen.