The surprise sweet ingredient that gives this veggie chilli a velvety texture

Barney Desmazery

Published: September 29, 2026 at 12:16 PM

loading...

Elevate your chilli game with this hearty vegan recipe packed with smoky sweetness and spice

This chilli is the epitome of veggie comfort food, layering smoky, sweet, and spicy flavours. The deep, earthy heat of chipotle paste pairs perfectly with toasted spices. We’ve bulked things out with roasted sweet potatoes which bring a caramelised sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, spiced tomato base, while dark chocolate adds a velvety finish. Ensure the stock and dark chocolate are vegan, if needed.

5 top tips for a next level veg chilli

1. Spice mastery

The toasted spices add depth of flavour to this chilli, while grinding them ensures maximum intensity.

2. Check the labels

Make sure the chocolate and stock you use is vegan for a meat-free dish everyone will love

3. Switch up the veg

We’ve used sweet potato in our chilli, but you can swap it out for squash or aubergine.

4. Peanut butter power

Peanut butter brings creaminess and thickens the chilli. Use almond butter, if you prefer.

5. Chocolate hit

Dark chocolate adds richness, but for this to work, use a good quality chocolate that’s more bitter than sweet.

How to make it

Next level veg chilli

A large shallow pot of vegetable chilli

Serves: 4-6
Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 50 mins
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

2 tsp black peppercorns
2 tbsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp coriander seeds
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp dried oregano
2 large or 3 small sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into roughly 4cm chunks (no need to peel)
3 tbsp vegetable oil
2 onions, finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1-2 tsp chipotle paste, to taste
1 tbsp smooth peanut butter
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
1 vegetable stock pot or cube
2 bay leaves
1 small cinnamon stick
10g dark chocolate (70-80% cocoa solids)
400g can black beans, drained but not rinsed
2 tbsp sliced jalapeños (optional)
handful of chopped coriander and tortilla chips and guacamole or cooked rice, to serve (optional)

Method

Heat the oven to 210C/190C fan/gas 7. Toast the peppercorns, cumin and coriander seeds in a small frying pan until lightly browned, then grind to a powder using a pestle and mortar or spice grinder. Mix with the paprika and oregano. Toss the sweet potato with 1 tbsp of the oil and a quarter of the spice mix, season with salt, then spread out on a baking tray. Roast for 25-30 mins, turning halfway, until golden and tender. Set aside.
Heat the remaining oil in a flameproof casserole dish over a medium heat. Fry the onions for 12-15 mins until soft and golden, then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the rest of the spice mix, the chipotle paste and peanut butter and cook for 2-3 mins until fragrant and thick.
Splash in the vinegar and cook for 1 min, then add the tomatoes. Stir and simmer for 10 mins until it’s a thick paste. Pour in 300ml boiling water and add the vegetable stock pot, stirring well to combine, then add the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and some salt. Bring back to a simmer, reduce the heat and bubble for another 10 mins, stirring.
Grate in the dark chocolate and stir well. Add the roasted sweet potatoes, black beans and jalapeños, if using, and simmer for 5 mins. Will keep frozen for up to three months. Defrost before reheating. Bring the dish to the table, scatter over the coriander and serve with your favourite accompaniments.

Enjoyed this? Discover more inspiration...

Vegetarian chilli recipes
Smoky chilli beans
30-minute vegetarian meal plan
Air fryer veggie curry
Autumn lunch ideas

Comments, questions and tips

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

CommentQuestionTip

Get 3 months of Good Food All Access

Get 3 months of Good Food All Access for just £6. Find triple-tested recipes that take the stress out of deciding what to cook, spend less time planning, and more time enjoying the season.

Subscribe now