Heartwarming Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty slow cooker lentil sweet potato chili that warms you from the inside out.

Packed with robust flavors and nutritious ingredients, this chili brings together earthy lentils and creamy sweet potatoes in a delightful dance of textures.

Cold evenings call for something deeply satisfying and nourishing.

Each spoonful delivers a rich, complex blend of spices that tantalize your taste buds.

The slow cooker method ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth ingredients that develop incredible depth.

Protein-rich lentils provide a perfect vegetarian alternative to traditional meat-based chilis.

This recipe promises a wholesome meal that’s both comforting and energizing, ready to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) or 40 minutes (Instant Pot including pressure time)

Total Time: Varies based on method

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients in Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili

• Lentils: Protein-packed powerhouse that adds earthy richness and creates satisfying texture.
• Sweet Potato: Creamy natural sweetener that brings vibrant color and substantial body to the chili.
• Vegetable Broth: Flavor foundation that hydrates and builds deep, comforting warmth.

• Onion, Garlic: Dynamic duo that creates a robust flavor base with subtle sweetness and pungent depth.
• Chili Powder: Signature spice delivering warmth and classic southwestern kick.
• Cumin: Smoky, earthy seasoning that adds authentic southwestern complexity.
• Paprika: Mild pepper spice contributing gentle warmth and rich color.

• Avocado: Creamy, buttery topping that adds luxurious coolness and healthy fats.
• Parsley, Cilantro: Bright, fresh herbs that provide crisp, clean flavor contrast.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that elevate and balance overall taste profile.

Tools That Help Make Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili

• Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: Essential for cooking this hearty chili with minimal effort.
• Large Mixing Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and ensuring even distribution.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate for portioning out broth, lentils, and other ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping sweet potatoes and preparing garnishes.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for dicing vegetables and preparing toppings.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili

• Slow Cooker Preparation

Toss all ingredients into your slow cooker, creating a vibrant and hearty mixture that promises a delicious meal.

• Cooking Time

Let the chili simmer and meld flavors on low heat for 8 hours or speed things up on high for 4.5 hours, allowing the sweet potatoes and lentils to become tender and rich.

• Flavor Enhancement

Taste your chili and sprinkle in salt and pepper, gradually adding extra chili powder if you crave more warmth and depth.

• Final Flourish

Elevate your dish with a pop of freshness by topping with creamy diced avocado and a handful of chopped parsley or cilantro, transforming your chili into a feast for the eyes and palate.

Tips for Boosting Flavor in Lentil Sweet Potato Chili

• Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash or pumpkin for a delightful seasonal twist that keeps the hearty texture.
• Roast poblano or jalapeño peppers before adding to intensify the smoky flavor and create deeper chile notes in your dish.
• Boost nutritional value by stirring in black beans, quinoa, or crumbled tempeh for extra protein and satisfying texture.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze and ensuring a quick, delicious dinner is always ready.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this hearty chili in deep ceramic bowls that keep the meal warm, creating a comforting dining experience perfect for chilly evenings.
• Protein Power Topping: Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco, toasted pumpkin seeds, or crispy tempeh crumbles on top to add extra protein and delightful crunch to your chili.
• Bread Companion Pairing: Serve alongside warm cornbread, crusty sourdough, or gluten-free options to soak up the rich, flavorful broth and complete your meal with a satisfying texture contrast.
• Colorful Herb Garnish: Finish the chili with a vibrant mix of chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, and a squeeze of lime for a bright, zesty flavor explosion that elevates the entire dish.

How to Store Lentil Sweet Potato Chili

• Batch Cooking Magic: Whip up a large pot and divide into meal-prep containers for easy weekday lunches and dinners throughout the week. This chili stays delicious and packed with nutrients.
• Freezer-Friendly Champion: Store cooled chili in airtight freezer containers for up to 3 months. Perfect for quick meals when you're short on time or energy.
• Refrigerator Refresh: Keep leftovers in sealed containers and enjoy within 4-5 days. The flavors will continue to develop and taste even more robust as they sit.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm chili slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and keep the texture consistent.

Hearty Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

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• Total Time: Varies based on method
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired slow cooker lentil sweet potato chili blends hearty legumes with creamy root vegetables for a comforting meal. Spices and plant-based protein create a satisfying dish you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups dried green lentils
• 1 (14 oz/398 ml) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 (28 oz/796 ml) cans diced tomatoes
• 3 ½ cups vegetable broth
• 2 sweet potatoes, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups frozen corn
• 2 tbsps chili powder
• 2 tsps cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Diced avocado (optional)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Equipment: Position your slow cooker or pressure cooker on a clean, stable surface, ensuring all cooking tools are readily accessible.
2. Build Liquid Foundation: Pour vegetable broth into the cooking vessel, creating a robust flavor base for the chili’s composition.
3. Layer Core Ingredients: Methodically add sweet potatoes, lentils, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, distributing them evenly to guarantee consistent cooking and flavor integration.
4. Infuse Spice Profile: Generously dust the mixture with chili powder, cumin, and complementary spices, carefully massaging the seasonings throughout the ingredients to develop a complex, multi-dimensional taste landscape.
5. Slow Cook Method: For traditional slow cooking, secure the lid and allow the chili to simmer on low heat for 7-8 hours, enabling ingredients to harmonize and develop deep, rich flavors.
6. Pressure Cook Alternative: If utilizing a pressure cooker, seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, followed by a 10-15 minute natural pressure release to ensure thorough ingredient transformation.
7. Final Refinement: Assess the chili’s seasoning, making nuanced adjustments with salt, pepper, and additional spices to elevate the overall taste profile.
8. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the steaming chili into serving bowls, topping with fresh diced avocado and a vibrant sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro to introduce a crisp, herbaceous note.

Notes

• Prep Ahead Wisely: Dice vegetables and measure spices beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce last-minute stress.
• Liquid Ratio Matters: Ensure vegetable broth covers ingredients completely for consistent moisture and perfect chili texture.
• Spice Balance Technique: Start with recommended spice amounts, then taste and adjust gradually to prevent overwhelming heat.
• Storage Secret: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4-5 days, allowing flavors to deepen and improve with time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) or 40 minutes (Instant Pot including pressure time)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg