Rich and Hearty Quinoa Chili
Rich & Hearty Quinoa Chili
There's something special about this chili. It's super thick, luscious and just made me want to keep eating it! The seasonings combine so well with the cute little lima beans that don't get used enough in my opinion. It's a very filling chili that packs that extra protein punch with the quinoa and variety of beans. Feel free to switch up the beans or ingredients to what you have on hand or like.
Ingredients
Saute These Ingredients First:
- 1 medium onion of choice, chopped or diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced into coins, or diced
- 2 medium celery stalks, diced or sliced
- 1 small zucchini, diced (optional)
- 1 small poblano or green or red pepper, chopped or diced
After the above ingredients are softened, add these:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
- 2 cups veggie broth
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped or minced
- 1 28 oz. crushed tomatoes San Marzano tomatoes are best if you can get them
- 1 15 oz. tomato sauce
- 1 15 oz. diced tomatoes
- 1 15 oz. garbanzos/ aka. chickpeas 1 1/2 cups cooked from dry
- 1 15 oz. kidney beans
- 1 1/2 cups baby lima beans find in the freezer dept.
Seasonings
- 2 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp monkfruit sugar or sweetener of choice
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 green onion, sliced (optional for topping) or chives or parsley or cilantro
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Instructions
- Place the first 5 ingredients in a large stock pot set to medium high heat and saute using bits of veggie broth or water as needed to prevent sticking. Stir often and cook until onions are translucent and carrots are cooked al dente. This set will take about 15-20 minutes.
- Add the next set of ingredients along with the seasonings. Keep stirring often as you bring the mixture to a boil, then turn down the heat but continue to stir and prevent any sticking as this chili thickens up as the quinoa cooks (about another 20 minutes).
- Add Salt and Pepper if using, top with green onions or chives and enjoy!
Notes
San Marzano tomatoes refer to a specific variety of plum tomato originating from the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino region in Campania, southern Italy (near Naples and Mount Vesuvious). They are sweeter and less acidic than most other tomatoes, resulting in a smoother, more luxurious sauce with deep, fruity notes prized by chefs. Look for labels saying "Pomodoro San Marzano dell'Agro Sarnese-Nocerino DOP" which will also have a red and yellow starburst logo to indicate their authenticity.
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