1. Prepare the Vegetables

Start by preparing your vegetables. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they cook evenly. Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Having all your vegetables prepped before cooking will help the process go smoothly and make the cooking time more efficient.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent. This will build the flavor foundation for the chili. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring often to avoid burning.

3. Add the Spices and Tomato Paste

Once the onion, bell pepper, and garlic have softened, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Allow the spices to toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to release their flavors. This step is important for developing the deep, savory flavor profile of the chili. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, ensuring the paste is evenly distributed and slightly caramelized.

4. Add the Sweet Potatoes and Liquid

Now, add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot, stirring them to coat with the spices and tomato paste. This will help infuse the sweet potatoes with the bold flavors. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, kidney beans, and vegetable broth. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Simmer the Chili

Once the chili reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir the chili occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot, and check the sweet potatoes for doneness by piercing them with a fork. If the chili becomes too thick during simmering, add more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Adjust Seasonings and Serve

After the sweet potatoes are tender, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce. If you like a deeper, more savory flavor, add a pinch of salt or more smoked paprika. Once the flavors are to your liking, serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings.