Vegetarian Quinoa Chili
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
257 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Vegetarian Quinoa Chili
Description
Vegetarian Quinoa Chili starts with a base of diced onions and bell peppers sautéed with garlic in avocado or olive oil. Crushed tomatoes, fresh or frozen corn, and canned beans augment the vegetable mix to create a thick chili stew. Seasonings provide classic chili flavors, including chili powder, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. After initial cooking, the chili simmers gently to develop depth.
Meanwhile, quinoa is rinsed and cooked separately in water or vegetable broth until fluffy, then folded into the chili, contributing a slight nuttiness and additional texture. This chili balances vegetable sweetness, tomato acidity, and spice, offering a filling meal option for vegetarians or vegetable-forward diets.
The chili can be customized by adjusting thickness with broth or tomato sauce and heat level by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper. It is typically served with optional toppings such as cheddar cheese, avocado, fresh herbs, or a dollop of yogurt, allowing for personalized flavor and texture contrasts.
Nutritional content may vary depending on toppings and exact ingredients used.
Ingredients
- 2 cups yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 TBSP avocado oil or olive oil
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes canned
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 15 oz chili beans spicy, with sauce, canned
- 15 oz black beans drained and rinsed, canned
- 2 TBSP chili powder
- 1 TBSP cumin
- 1 tsp oregano dried
- ½ tsp smoked paprika plus extra to taste
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 cup quinoa red, white, or a mix of both, dry
- 1.5 cups water or veggie broth
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- jalapeños or cayenne pepper, diced, for a kick
- vegetable broth or tomato sauce, to adjust chili thickness
- chili beans extra can
- all the toppings your heart desires
Instructions
- Chop your peppers and onion and mince your garlic.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a Dutch oven or a large pot on medium-high heat.
- Add onions, peppers, and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes to tenderize the veggies.
- Next add crushed tomatoes, corn, chili beans (with sauce), black beans, and spices; stir to mix. If you'd like your chili extra chunky you can add an extra can of chili beans - I love doing this when i have a second can on hand!
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes.
- While your chili simmers, rinse your quinoa.
- Add quinoa to a small pot with water or vegetable broth to boil (1.5 cups) and bring to a rolling boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to lowest setting and cover [with the lid propped open a bit to vent] for 12-13 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy. Fluff with a fork and add to the pot of chili.
- Total cook time for the chili will be about 25-30 minutes but feel free to leave it simmering on the stove for a little longer, on the lowest setting, if desired to mingle the flavors even further.
- Scoop out a bowlful, pile on the toppings, sit back, and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the chili's thickness by adding broth or tomato sauce; increase spices slightly if thinning the mixture significantly.
- Customize the heat level by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
- Top the chili with preferred garnishes such as grated cheddar, avocado, fresh parsley, or Greek yogurt for added flavor and texture.
- Cook times may vary; extend simmering if a thicker chili is desired or to deepen flavors.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 257 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 257kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Sodium | 715mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 851mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 10g | 40% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1310IU | 26% |
| Vitamin C | 43.4mg | 48% |
| Calcium | 94mg | 9% |
| Iron | 4.8mg | 27% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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