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Cooking adventures in a small, closet sized, kitchen. - I came to realize that my meals were boring and that I had been eating the same few dishes over and over again for years. It was time for a change! I now spend my free time searching for, creating and trying tasty new recipes in my closet sized kitchen.

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Black Bean and Quinoa Chili

[heart_this] · Jul 31, 2008 · 79 Comments

Black Bean and Quinoa Chili

A healthy, hearty and tasty vegetarian chili with back beans and quinoa that does not sacrifice anything in flavour.

Sometimes recipes can take on a life of their own. A while ago I came across a three bean chili recipe which sounded good and this week it made it onto my meal plan. It started out as a pretty simple bean chili but as the week went on I thought that it would be nice it there was some quinoa in it. Then I thought that some bell peppers would add some colour. As it came time to cook it I noticed that I had some zucchini in the fridge that needed finishing. And then there was that last cob of corn… Before I knew it my pot was full and I had only added one of the beans. What had started out as a three bean chili had quickly turned into a nice vegetables chili. Chilies like this are really easy to make and full of flavour. As far as the vegetables go, you can add whatever you want or whatever is in season. In the winter I like to add squash and in the summer there are so many options. I am particularly looking forward to fresh tomatillos as they add a ton of flavour. You can garnish chili with lots of different things and this time I went with some monterey jack cheese and green onions. One of my favorite things about making a chili is that there is a lot of leftovers that are convenient to bring to work for lunch.

Black Bean and Quinoa Chili

Black Bean and Quinoa Chili

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Servings: 4

A healthy, hearty and tasty vegetarian chili with back beans and quinoa that does not sacrifice anything in flavour.

ingredients
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin, toasted and ground
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked beans, from 1 cup dry)
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into bit sized pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into bit sized pieces
  • 1 zucchini, cut into bit sized pieces, optional
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle chili in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup corn, fresh, frozen or canned
  • 1 handful cilantro, chopped
directions
  1. Simmer the quinoa in the water until absorbed, about 20 minutes.
  2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat, add the onions and saute until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic, chili powder and cumin and saute until fragrant, about 1 minutes.
  4. Add the tomatoes, beans, peppers, zucchini, chipotle, oregano, salt and pepper and simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Add the quinoa and corn and simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro.
Slow Cooker: Optionally implement steps 2 & 3, place everything except the quinoa and cilantro in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-10 hours or high for 2-4 hours before adding the quinoa and cooking on high until the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes, and mixing in the cilantro.
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Crockpot, Food, Gluten-free, Main Course, One-Pan, One-Pot, Quinoa, Recipe, Slow Cooker, Soup, Stew, Texmex, Vegetarian, Whole Grains

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. javagirlkt's cookin' says

    July 31, 2008 at 10:34 pm

    this looks awesome! I love bean chili, especially with the cheese and green onions on top. I’m bookmarking this for autumn! 🙂

    Reply
  2. Neen says

    July 31, 2008 at 10:40 pm

    You know, I never thought to make chili in the summer. Perhaps because I associate chili with hours and hours of slow simmering, which just doesn’t seem right when the days are so hot.

    Reply
  3. Paula says

    July 31, 2008 at 10:50 pm

    Now this is my kind of chili! I love quinoa, so I’m sure I would love this. I like how you included zucchini in this as well as some heat filled chilies. Your garnishes look terrific, too.

    Reply
  4. Holler says

    July 31, 2008 at 10:56 pm

    Oh yes! Give me a bowl of this and I am a happy woman Kevin 🙂

    Reply
  5. Bridgett says

    July 31, 2008 at 10:59 pm

    Ah, Kevin…this looks fantastic!! Can you send some my way?

    Reply
  6. jeriray says

    July 31, 2008 at 11:11 pm

    Yumm! I’m just discovering quinoa so this is on my “Let’s Try It” list.

    Reply
  7. Kristen says

    July 31, 2008 at 11:12 pm

    What a wonderful chili. Looks delicious!

    Reply
  8. Pam says

    August 1, 2008 at 12:01 am

    Kevin you never cease to amaze me! I would have never even considered putting quinoa in chili!

    Reply
  9. tigerfish says

    August 1, 2008 at 12:19 am

    This looks so comforting. And it actually looks like black bean sauce noodles (Chinese zha jiang noodles) from the first few looks 😀

    Reply
  10. Dragon says

    August 1, 2008 at 12:33 am

    So why haven’t I tried quinoa yet?

    Reply
  11. VeggieGirl says

    August 1, 2008 at 12:48 am

    I almost NEVER follow a recipe – I love using them as guidelines for new inspiration; and I see that you did the same thing quite successfully, with that TANTALIZING bowl of chili – yum!!

    Reply
  12. Elly says

    August 1, 2008 at 1:03 am

    Sounds like a great chili, Kevin! So colorful and beautiful, too.

    Reply
  13. Corinne says

    August 1, 2008 at 1:06 am

    very southwestern looking! I eall the veggies in it.

    Reply
  14. Mrs Ergül says

    August 1, 2008 at 1:07 am

    I absolutely love the colours of this dish!

    Reply
  15. Lori Lynn says

    August 1, 2008 at 1:13 am

    I want to bring this to work with me for lunch tomorrow!

    Reply
  16. cook eat FRET says

    August 1, 2008 at 1:14 am

    that black bean and quinoa chili looks really good!

    Reply
  17. Jeanine says

    August 1, 2008 at 3:21 am

    Looks good, Kevin. Very hearty, and leftovers is always a good thing!

    Reply
  18. Marc @ NoRecipes says

    August 1, 2008 at 3:42 am

    NIcely done! I love “fresh” chili’s that have lots of veggies.

    Reply
  19. Anonymous says

    August 1, 2008 at 3:56 am

    looks hearty and tasty!

    Reply
  20. Prudy says

    August 1, 2008 at 4:11 am

    I love vegetarian chili and I’ve never tried it with quinoa, so I’ve got to give this one a go. I must say, you’ve got that magic photography touch. Your pictures area always gorgeous.

    Reply
  21. Alexa says

    August 1, 2008 at 4:46 am

    First you had me at black bean, then you had me at quinoa and finally you had me at chili. This is a must try for me because it includes some of my favorite ingredients. I love how certain recipes just evolve so naturally into wonderful new dishes. Thanks Kevin!

    Reply
  22. Laura @ Hungry and Frozen says

    August 1, 2008 at 6:07 am

    This looks delicious, I like puttering round with recipes like this 🙂

    Reply
  23. Meeta says

    August 1, 2008 at 6:16 am

    yup these are the best ways to create some of the most scrumptious meals. love thee quinoa!

    Reply
  24. Mochachocolata Rita says

    August 1, 2008 at 6:16 am

    hmm always love chilli, any season…especially as it is not cooked by me in my hot kitchen 🙂

    Reply
  25. Anonymous says

    August 1, 2008 at 9:11 am

    Oh my! Yum.

    Reply
  26. Jan says

    August 1, 2008 at 9:40 am

    Now that looks yummy Kevin!
    I would never have thought to put quinoa in chill- looks a great idea.

    Reply
  27. Kate / Kajal says

    August 1, 2008 at 10:29 am

    i love cooking like this too, no recipe in the head but just go with the flow, crate as you make and the end result is always fantastic. Your chilli bean surely looks so colourful and appetizing.

    Reply
  28. Nina's Kitchen (Nina Timm) says

    August 1, 2008 at 11:13 am

    This is the best “let’s-throw-it-all- in-a-pot-meal” I have ever seen. A real tummy warmer.

    Reply
  29. Jeena says

    August 1, 2008 at 11:27 am

    Lovel healthy recipe Kevin I really do love quinoa.

    Reply
  30. Jeanne says

    August 1, 2008 at 11:55 am

    Three bean chilli always reminds me of a trip to New York when we were getting SOAKED in a rainstorm that wouldn’t quit and discovered that the restaurant that we had just walked blocks and blocks to try had closed. We were desperate to get out of the rain and just ducked into the nearest open door we saw which happened to be a vegetarian restaurant where I had 3-bean chilli with cornbread. It was one of my happiest travel moments – warm and dry with a mouthful of fabulous food! So now I have a soft spot for bean chillies 🙂 This one looks awesome and I *love* quinoa, so it’s definitely being bookmarked.

    Btw, I’ve tagged you for a meme:
    http://www.cooksister.com/2008/07/forty-things.html

    🙂

    Reply
  31. Dhanggit says

    August 1, 2008 at 12:05 pm

    i’ve been craving for something like this!! yummmy

    Reply
  32. Carmen says

    August 1, 2008 at 12:41 pm

    wow, you take gorgeous pictures. the colors in this just really pop – i love quinoa (my husband doesn’t though), so i’ll have to make this for myself! it looks so nice and healthy.

    Reply
  33. Sharon says

    August 1, 2008 at 1:26 pm

    Now that I’m over the quinoa hump and have finally made it, I’ve been looking for new recipes. This looks like it could be it!

    Reply
  34. giz says

    August 1, 2008 at 1:57 pm

    This looks far more interesting than the meat based chili. It also looks really pretty.

    Reply
  35. emily says

    August 1, 2008 at 2:30 pm

    This really is gorgeous. I can’t wait to try it. Plus, I’ve been wanting to experiment with different grains, and quinoa is on my list. This will be perfect.

    Reply
  36. noble pig says

    August 1, 2008 at 3:07 pm

    Wow. That’s an amzing bowl of chili…just the color says eat me. Yum.

    Reply
  37. Manggy says

    August 1, 2008 at 3:08 pm

    Yeah, the chili has turned into an original Kevin’s minestrone! 🙂 It looks really good! 🙂

    Reply
  38. Steph says

    August 1, 2008 at 3:28 pm

    Looks delicious Kevin!

    Reply
  39. Grace says

    August 1, 2008 at 3:37 pm

    i’ve said this before, and i’ll more than likely say it again, but this time i really mean it–this is perfect. this is exactly what i would (and will) make for myself. i love it. 🙂

    Reply
  40. Helene says

    August 1, 2008 at 4:08 pm

    Kevin, that would be perfect with the chilly weather we have today in the Valley. Looks great.

    Reply
  41. Pam says

    August 1, 2008 at 4:11 pm

    YUM. I love chili filled with veggies. Another tasty recipe Kevin.

    Reply
  42. Adam says

    August 1, 2008 at 5:12 pm

    Kev, I am sweating just looking at the chili, but in a delicious good way. I love quinoa and black beans, so this is definately a keeper.

    Reply
  43. Esi says

    August 1, 2008 at 5:29 pm

    Looks great! I will have to try this when the weather gets colder.

    Reply
  44. Jescel says

    August 1, 2008 at 5:30 pm

    this looks so good. i’ve been wanting to try quinoa but don’t have a good recipe. maybe i’ll try yours..

    Reply
  45. crunchbot says

    August 1, 2008 at 5:35 pm

    YES!!! I was just craving chili today!!! that looks so good! i.must.try.

    Reply
  46. Deborah says

    August 1, 2008 at 6:15 pm

    This makes me excited for the cold weather to come. Sounds delicious!

    Reply
  47. Hillary says

    August 1, 2008 at 6:51 pm

    I love the idea of using quinoa in chili! Nice job.

    Reply
  48. Natasha says

    August 1, 2008 at 10:49 pm

    This is a vitamin explosion! So healthy, and I bet it was tasty too! I love veggies, and hot food!

    Reply
  49. Cathy C says

    August 1, 2008 at 11:05 pm

    This looks off the charts – I am so looking forward to fall when it is cool and comfort food is an the “daily” menu.

    Cheers
    Cathy
    http://www.wheresmydamnanswer.com

    Reply
  50. Tara says

    August 1, 2008 at 11:27 pm

    MMmmmm, hot chili with cool sour cream on top. Beautiful colors! It just doesn’t get any better than that.

    Oh and by the way, you’ve been nominated! http://tarathefoodie.blogspot.com/2008/08/spreading-love.html

    Reply
  51. oggi says

    August 2, 2008 at 12:30 am

    Wow, this vegetable chili recipe is wonderful…I love quinoa and am always looking for more recipes to use them. It’s been bookmarked!:)

    Reply
  52. Anonymous says

    August 2, 2008 at 2:29 pm

    This is exactly what I need. I’m trying to compile soup or chili recipes so that I can make large portions in bulk each week because I’ll soon be having an incredibly hectic schedule. I’m adding this to my list. It looks perfect.

    Reply
  53. LyB says

    August 2, 2008 at 2:56 pm

    That looks really delicious and healthy. Adding quinoa to a chili is such a great idea.

    Reply
  54. Jan says

    August 2, 2008 at 6:54 pm

    Kevin, your recipes are so wonderfully inventive. This looks amazing!

    Reply
  55. TBC says

    August 2, 2008 at 6:57 pm

    That makes for a very hearty meal. The addition of quinoa is a nice touch!

    Reply
  56. J for Kitchen Confit says

    August 3, 2008 at 2:43 pm

    This looks fantastic! I love the addition of quinoa. I can’t wait to try it.

    Reply
  57. Lida says

    August 4, 2008 at 4:03 pm

    hmm, quinoa in chili… sounds great!
    I always use black beans and throw in some bitter chocolate and cinnamon when it’s cold out. It seems convenient not to have to make the quinoa in a separate pot (i usually cook brown rice).

    Reply
  58. Lida says

    August 4, 2008 at 4:04 pm

    hmm, quinoa in chili… sounds great!
    I always use black beans and throw in some bitter chocolate and cinnamon when it’s cold out. It seems convenient not to have to make the quinoa in a separate pot (i usually cook brown rice).

    Reply
  59. Linda F says

    August 5, 2008 at 10:11 am

    Wow, just love the look of that AND I have everything in to make it! Excellent!

    Reply
  60. Anonymous says

    August 21, 2008 at 2:32 pm

    I made this last night and I absolutely loved it. What a great way to add quinoa, I never would have thought but it worked really well. I loved it and so did my boyfriend.

    Reply
  61. Anna says

    August 29, 2008 at 10:00 pm

    Okay, now I REALLY have to buy some quinoa. Wow. That looks great!

    Reply
  62. jd says

    August 30, 2008 at 11:35 pm

    Holy awesome!

    How did I manage to miss this one?!

    I’m definitely adding it to my “make asap” list.

    Reply
  63. Anonymous says

    January 18, 2009 at 10:02 pm

    love this recipe! about how many servings does it make?

    Reply
  64. ldp says

    January 19, 2009 at 3:30 am

    Finally got around to making this dish tonight and I must tell you it was great. It was the first time that I experienced Quinoa. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  65. Kevin says

    January 21, 2009 at 3:25 am

    Anonymous: This would easily make 4-6 servings.

    Reply
  66. Randi Lynne says

    February 16, 2009 at 9:36 pm

    I was looking for a good quinoa recipe and this was perfect. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  67. A_and_N says

    March 16, 2009 at 1:44 pm

    That looks delightful and healthy. Too bad I cant reach into the screen and take a spoonful myself 🙂

    Reply
  68. CharmCity Sarah says

    March 31, 2009 at 2:56 am

    I made this tonight and it was….delicious!!And thank goodness b/c I will be eating it for a week 🙂

    Reply
  69. Dazy says

    May 25, 2009 at 8:04 am

    This recipe is really going to keep me busy in the kitchen with all its glamor. This is another must for the weekend! My kids would just hug me for this.

    Reply
  70. Sarah says

    September 8, 2009 at 4:05 am

    And this is going to be a regular at my house! SOOOO good! Can't wait to eat it all week for lunch. Thanks for helping my quinoa obsession 🙂

    Reply
  71. Jess says

    October 29, 2009 at 12:44 am

    I want to like quinoa, I really do! Its by far the cutest grain. But, I've had trouble finding a way to make it really tasty. Thank you so much for this recipe!

    Reply
  72. Dan says

    January 7, 2010 at 3:33 pm

    I love your recipes! I'm gonna make this today for sure!

    Reply
  73. Nadia says

    August 14, 2010 at 7:20 pm

    I just made this and it is amazing!

    Reply
  74. Leander says

    September 19, 2012 at 7:07 pm

    It looks absolutely fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  75. Jacquie Rion says

    October 1, 2012 at 7:24 pm

    Can this be made in the crockpot with dried beans?

    Reply
  76. Kevin says

    October 4, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    Jacquie Rion: Yes this would work in the crockpot with dried beans, though you may want to hold off adding the zucchini and peppers until later if you prefer them to have more texture.

    Reply
  77. Anonymous says

    November 25, 2012 at 11:30 pm

    I made this a few months ago for the first time. We loved it, but enjoyed it better the second day. My brother was in town and I offered him a bowl. Compliments to you, he says it's the best chili in the entire world. I am making a batch for my mother and grandmother to try.

    Reply
  78. MZ says

    October 9, 2013 at 1:23 am

    This was so good!!! We are not vegetarian, but didn't miss the meat at all. My husband and I loved it. Recipe states the zucchini is optional but we think it's a must. Just added to the chunkiness and heartiness, and made if feel even more healthy!! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  79. kevin says

    October 9, 2013 at 4:39 am

    MZ: I am glad that you enjoyed it! I agree completely about the zucchini! 🙂

    Reply

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Kevin: I came to realize that my meals were boring and that I had been eating the same few dishes over and over again for years. It was time for a change! I now spend my free time searching for, creating and trying tasty new recipes in my closet sized kitchen.
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