Vegan Black Bean Chili Recipe . . . .

Super flavorful VEGAN BLACK BEAN CHILI !
Could be my new favorite chili recipe:

Ingredients:

• 5 - 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced (or 1 large leek, cut into thin slices, including 1/2 of the well washed greens) 
• 4 small sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small, bite size pieces 
• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and cut into small cubes (Be aware that some people are allergic to mangoes, so know your diners' sensitivities ahead of time.)
• 1red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups black beans, cooked, drained, rinsed and at room temp
• 2 cups of diced, peeled tomatoes 
• 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro leaves (Save several leaves to use as a garnish.)
• 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons Chipotle chili powder (or to taste)
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon cayenne (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of orange zest

Preparation:

In a heavy soup pot, saute onions and garlic in olive oil for 2 minutes, with cumin, Chipotle chili powder, cayenne, salt and pepper. . . .  then add sweet potatoes, and red bell pepper until onions are soft, about 5-6 minutes.
Reduce heat to low, and add remaining ingredients, except for the cooked black beans, stirring to blend all flavors well.  (You don't want the beans over cooked.)
Simmer, partially covered and stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes, or until vegetables are cooked.
Remove lid and add black beans during the final 10 minutes of cooking.

* If you want a thicker chili, puree 2 cups of cooked and drained pinto beans and add them to the simmering stage of the recipe.  (In the past, I've used flour or corn starch as a thickening additive, but I tried the pureed beans this week and like the differences it brings to the meal.  If you want to use the corn starch or flour, add a tablespoon of either, to a dry cup or bowl and slowly stir in 1- 2 tablespoons of hot water, mixing it with a fork,  You will eliminate lumps by this step, and not adding it directly to your pot.  Slowly stir it into the chili pot, in during your final few minutes of cooking.)

Serve to good friends.