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Sweet Potato & Black Bean Power Chili In Pressure Cooker - Hearty, Fast, and Flavor-Packed

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and 1/2-inch diced (about 4 cups)
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (plus more as needed)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder or cayenne (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • Juice of 1 lime, plus extra wedges for serving
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado, sliced jalapeño, shredded cheese, sour cream or yogurt, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  • Sauté the aromatics: Set the pressure cooker to Sauté (Normal). Add oil. Cook onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Bloom the spices: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and chipotle or cayenne if using. Stir for 30–45 seconds to bloom the spices. This wakes up the flavor.
  • Build the base: Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and maple syrup if using. Mix well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  • Pressure cook: Seal the lid. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes. For softer sweet potatoes, go up to 10 minutes.
  • Release pressure: Let it naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick release the rest. Open carefully.
  • Finish and adjust: Stir in lime juice. If the chili is thicker than you like, add a splash of broth. If it’s too thin, switch to Sauté and simmer 3–5 minutes to reduce.
  • Taste and season: Add more salt, pepper, or lime as needed. For extra heat, stir in a pinch of chipotle powder or hot sauce.
  • Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, avocado, cheese or dairy-free yogurt, jalapeño, and tortilla chips if you like.