Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Quinoa Chili

I've been on a kick lately with re-making recipes from my own blog.  Ever since I made Quinoa Chili on my blog last February I've been wanting to make it again.  But I love cooking different things so I haven't gotten around to it.  Until last week.  Feeling quite a bit guilty from all the sweets I've been eating, I knew I needed a vegetarian dish that I could feel good about.  And if you want to get this on the table in under a half hour, cook your quinoa the night before!  I love the prep-ahead method and try to take advantage of it as often as possible.
Quinoa Chili
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
1 cup water
1 cup veggie broth
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 cup chopped celery
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
2 tomatoes, cored and diced
1 cup diced carrots
Two 16-oz. cans black beans, drained
One 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
1/2 package of McCormicks Hot Chili Seasoning Mix
salt and pepper to taste
1 Avocado, sliced and a sprinkling of Mexican Blend Cheese
Instructions:
Combine quinoa and water/broth in saucepan, cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until liquid is absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand about 10 minutes.Meanwhile, heat a large, non-stick pan; add onion, bell pepper, celery and jalapeno. Saute 7 minutes over medium heat. Stir in fresh tomatoes and carrots; saute 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in beans, crushed tomatoes, and seasonings; cook about 25 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Stir in quinoa; cook 5 minutes more. Ladle chili into bowls and top with avocado and cheese.

This meal came together so quickly and tasted so good! I definitely recommend this quinoa chili if you are looking for some chili inspiration this winter.

What's your favorite way to use quinoa?

12 comments:

  1. What a great way to use quinoa. I don't use it often enough even though I really love it!

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  2. Sounds good, Lizzy - so nice and hearty!

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  3. I love chili in all forms, this I will have to try!

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  4. I am TOTALLY making this. Love the avocado on top

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  5. I haven't made quinoa in a while and am really starting to crave it. I love just using it to stuff squash or making it for breakfast. Chili sounds awesome too!

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  6. I have a near-full box of quinoa that I would love to use for this recipe! I can't get enough chili this season, so so comforting. I've never had a veggie chili but promises of avocado on top would sell me :)

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  7. I'm always after new chili recipes. Adding quinoa is a fantastic idea!

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  8. I made it last year and really liked it too! Healthy, quick and delicious. Can't beat that.

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  9. I love quinoa - what a cool way to use it! Looks delish :)

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  10. Now you have me strongly craving chili. It's been forever since I've made it because I feel like at this point I've remade my favorite recipe at least 3-4 times with slight adjustments. However now I definitely want some again. There's something about a bowl of chili that is PERFECT for the weather we're having now. And I cannot say I've tried quinoa in it yet so that's a variation I'll definitely have to try.

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  11. Ack having computer problems this morning. Hoping my previous comment went through.

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  12. I made this from your recipe last week for my husband, who typically isn't interested in vegetarian foods, but he not only went back for seconds, but ate it for lunch the next day too! One of my new favorite recipes, thank you for sharing!

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