Hearty Quinoa Chili with Beans and Corn

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bowl of pure comfort? Honestly, who doesn't love a good chili, especially when it’s good for you? This Quinoa Chili with Beans & corn recipe is a game changer! It's got that Southwest kick, but with a healthy twist.

Brief Overview

This hearty chili hails from those vibrant Southwestern kitchens, a nod to big flavors. It is seriously easy to make, ready in under an hour.

This recipe yields about 6-8 servings, perfect for family night or meal prep.

Main Benefits

It's packed with protein and fiber, keeping you full and energized. Seriously, this chili is your answer to the eternal question: "What's for dinner?" What makes this Vegetarian quinoa chili recipe so special? It is ridiculously delicious and guilt-free.

Hearty Quinoa Chili with Beans and Corn Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese or vegan cheese alternative (optional)
• Sour cream or plant-based yogurt (optional)
• Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• Diced avocado (optional)
• Lime wedges (optional)
• Tortilla chips (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeno (if using) and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
• Add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn, quinoa, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through and the chili has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:280

Fat:8g

Fiber:12g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Southwestern

Southwest Quinoa Power Bowl: A Hug in a Bowl

Have you ever craved that Healthy Mexican Quinoa Bowl but wanted something even more filling? This chili delivers. It’s like a warm, cozy blanket on a chilly evening.

I remember one time I messed up my taco seasoning, and the only thing that saved it was turning it into chili! True story.

It is also really easy to adapt it.

More than just a Chili: It's a Feel-Good Meal

This Vegan quinoa chili is packed with plant-based goodness. It is also an Easy quinoa chili recipe . Want something you can whip up any night of the week? This is it, mate.

Plus, it's a brilliant way to sneak in some extra veggies. Trust me. This isn't just dinner; it's a High protein quinoa chili .

Ready to dig in? Let's get to those ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Our Quinoa Chili with Beans & Ready!

Okay, lovelies, let's chat about what you'll need for this absolutely banging Quinoa Chili with Beans & Corn. I promise it's easier than finding a decent cup of tea in America!

Main Ingredients

Here's the breakdown. No stress, I've got you covered.

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Any decent olive oil will do.
• Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped. About 1 1/2 cups. Go for a nice firm one, you know?
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, but the jarred stuff works in a pinch.
• Red Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped. Roughly 1 cup . Nice and vibrant, eh?
• Jalapeno: 1 , seeded and minced (optional). Only if you're feeling brave!
• Spices: We're talking 1 teaspoon (5 ml) chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) cumin, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) oregano, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) cayenne (optional).
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce/794g) can. The good stuff.
• Kidney Beans: 1 (15-ounce/425g) can, rinsed and drained.
• Black Beans: 1 (15-ounce/425g) can, rinsed and drained.
• Frozen Corn: 1 cup (170g) .
• Quinoa: 1/2 cup (100g) , rinsed. Important! Trust me, rinse it.
• Vegetable Broth: 4 cups (946 ml) . You could always use stock cubes!
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Obviously.

Honestly, a great Vegetarian quinoa chili recipe with ingredients you can easily find.

Seasoning Notes

Spice is nice! Don't be shy. Chili powder and cumin are your base, but that smoked paprika? Chef's kiss. Honestly, it adds that Southwest flavour and really elevates this Healthy Mexican Quinoa Bowl ! If you fancy a bit of a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes.

Feel free to experiment and make it your own. I often sub a bit of coriander for the oregano to give it a zesty boost.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, silly!

• A decent sized pot or Dutch oven.
• Chopping board.
• A good knife!
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Can opener. Obvs.

If you don't have a fancy Dutch oven, don't stress. Any large pot will do the trick for this Easy quinoa chili recipe .

I once made it in a pressure cooker because I was in a rush. This is basically a One-pot quinoa chili , so less washing up is always a win, am I right?

I love making a big batch of this. It lasts for days and it’s packed with protein, thanks to the quinoa and beans, making it a proper High protein quinoa chili .

This Quick quinoa chili dinner is brilliant for meal prepping. You can use the leftovers as filling for a Southwest Quinoa Power Bowl or even chuck some shredded chicken in to make a Southwest Chicken Quinoa .

Talking about Chicken, you can make it a Southwest Quinoa Salad With Chicken . The possibilities are endless!

Cooking Up a Storm: My Quinoa Chili with Beans & Corn Adventure!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good chili? Especially when it's packed with goodness and easy to whip up! I'm gonna spill the beans – pun intended – on my absolute fave , Quinoa Chili with Beans & Corn.

It’s not just any chili; it’s a bowl of happiness. This hearty chili is my go-to for those chilly evenings when I want something comforting but also healthy.

A lot of people are looking for a Vegetarian quinoa chili recipe , and this delivers in spades! This easy recipe is perfect for weeknights and meal prep.

Prep Like a Pro: Setting the Stage for Chili Success

Before we dive in, let's get our act together. I always start with the "mise en place," which is basically a fancy way of saying get everything chopped and measured beforehand.

Dice that 1 large yellow onion , mince those 2 cloves garlic , chop 1 red bell pepper , and even get that optional jalapeno ready to rock.

It saves so much time later, trust me! A little organization goes a long way, folks.

And hey, don't forget safety! Keep those fingers out of the way when you're chopping. Safety first, chili second!

Chili Time: A Step-by-Step Fiesta

Alright, here's the lowdown on how to make this magical chili:

1. Sauté the aromatics. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add that onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeno (if using) and cook for 5- 7 minutes or until softened.
2. Spice it up! Stir in 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano , and a pinch of cayenne if you're feeling brave. Cook for 1 minute , stirring, until fragrant.
3. Combine everything. Add 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, 1 cup frozen corn, 1/2 cup quinoa , and 4 cups vegetable broth .
4. Simmer away. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20- 25 minutes , or until the quinoa is cooked.
5. Season and serve. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper . Season to taste. Serve hot with your fave toppings!

Pro Tips: Chili Wizardry Unlocked

Want to take your chili game to the next level? Always rinse your quinoa before cooking. No one likes bitter quinoa.

A common mistake is not letting the chili simmer long enough. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor. Low and slow is the name of the game.

If you are a health conscious individual and looking for a High protein quinoa chili , this is a great option.

And good news! This chili is even better the next day. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy Quick quinoa chili dinner all week long.

It's also perfect for a Southwest Quinoa Power Bowl or even a Healthy Mexican Quinoa Bowl .

Recipe Notes for Kick-Ass Quinoa Chili

Right, so you're about to whip up this awesome Quinoa Chili with Beans & Corn, yeah? Before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about a few things that’ll make your chili experience even better .

Honestly, it's already pretty amazing, but these little tweaks can take it to the next level. I've learned these tricks from making loads of chili, and I'm sharing them with you!

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Chili Game

Presentation is key, innit? Think of your chili like you would a Southwest Quinoa Power Bowl . Plating it nicely elevates the whole experience.

• Plating & Presentation: Load your bowl up. A dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt if you're feeling healthy!), a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime make it look proper fancy. Trust me, it makes a difference.
• Complementary Sides & Drinks: Cornbread is a classic for a reason! Also, tortilla chips are a must . As for drinks? A cold beer or even a margarita works a treat!

Storage Tips: Chili for Days

Batch cooking is my jam , and this chili is perfect for it. Store your leftovers like a pro.

• Refrigeration: Let the chili cool completely before popping it in the fridge. It'll keep for 3-4 days .
• Freezing: This chili freezes brilliantly . Freeze it in portions. It will be good for 2-3 months . Defrost completely before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a pot on the stove. You may need to add a splash of water to loosen it up. You can also microwave it if you're in a rush.

Variations: Spice It Up (Or Down!)

Want to make this chili your own? Here are a couple of ideas. There are multiple variations to turn it into a Healthy Mexican Quinoa Bowl or a Southwest Chicken Quinoa .

• Dietary Adaptations: Need it Vegan quinoa chili ? Just ditch the dairy toppings and use plant-based alternatives. Gluten-free? You're already sorted!
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In autumn, add roasted butternut squash for a sweet twist. In summer, fresh sweet corn adds a nice crunch.

Nutrition Basics: Feel-Good Food

This isn't just tasty; it's actually good for you! Every bowl is packed with fibre, protein, and it's Easy quinoa chili recipe .

• Simplified Nutrition: Each serving (based on 8 servings) is around 280 calories . It has 15g of protein and a whopping 12g of fiber . It is also a High protein quinoa chili .
• Key Health Benefits: The quinoa gives you a protein boost. The beans add fiber for good digestion. It is a hearty and nutritious Vegetarian quinoa chili recipe .

I reckon you're all set to make a one-pot quinoa chili . Don't be scared to experiment and have fun with it.

And remember, cooking should be a joy, not a chore! You will have a Quick quinoa chili dinner that your friends and family will enjoy! Go on, give it a go! And do not forget to wash all that down with your favorite ice-cold beer!