Vegetarian Quinoa Chili

Ingredients 
1/2 cup quinoa

1 cup water

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeno pepper, diced

1 large carrot, peeled and chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 medium zucchini, chopped

2 (15 ounce cans) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 ounce can) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (28 ounce can) crushed tomatoes

1 (28 ounce can) tomato puree

2-3 tablespoons chili powder depending on your taste (we used 3)

1 tablespoon ground cumin

Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional toppings: green onions, avocado slices, cheese, sour cream, greek yogurt, chips, crackers, etc.

Instructions

1. In a medium sauce pan, combine the quinoa and water. Cook over medium heat until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Set aside.

2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, jalapeño, carrot, celery, peppers, and zucchini. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

3. Add the black beans, kidney beans, tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir in the cooked quinoa. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Simmer chili on low for about 30 minutes. Serve warm.

Makes 8 servings.

Notes:

-       Quinoa could also be cooked in a pressure cooker or your favorite preparation method.

-       If it’s too thick feel free to add some tomato sauce or juice to thin it to the desired consistency.

-       This freezes well.

-       Instead of simmering for 30 min everything could be transferred to a crock pot and cooked on low during the day.