When it comes to preparing meals that are both delicious and healthy, a slow cooker can be your best friend. For vegetarians, this tool offers the perfect way to create hearty, flavor-packed dishes without the hassle. Today, we're exploring a delightful and straightforward Vegetarian Quinoa Chili recipe using a crockpot, ensuring that your meals are not only easy to prepare but also loaded with nutrition.
Ingredients for Quinoa Chili
- 1 cup of quinoa (uncooked)
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes (with the liquid)
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium yellow squash, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2-3 tablespoons of chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, or sour cream for non-vegans
Preparation Instructions
Here’s how to make this easy vegetarian quinoa chili in your crockpot:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its saponin coating.
- Chop all vegetables to your preferred size. Keep in mind that they will soften considerably as they cook.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
- Add quinoa, both types of beans, tomatoes, and vegetable broth into the crockpot.
- Follow with diced vegetables, minced garlic, and onion.
- Stir in tomato paste to thicken the chili.
- Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cooking Your Chili
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If you prefer your vegetables to have more texture, opt for a shorter cooking time.
- Quinoa will absorb some of the liquid as it cooks; you might need to add more broth if the chili seems too thick.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your chili hot, garnished with your choice of toppings.
- It pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a simple green salad.
Notes on Nutrition
🔍 Note: Quinoa is a fantastic protein source for vegetarians, offering all nine essential amino acids. Combining quinoa with beans further boosts the protein content, making this chili a complete meal.
Wrapping Up the Recipe
This Vegetarian Quinoa Chili Crockpot recipe not only provides a comforting meal that’s full of flavor but also ensures you’re eating healthily with minimal effort. With its easy preparation and the rich combination of vegetables, spices, and quinoa, you can enjoy a nutritious meal that warms you up from the inside out.
Can I use frozen vegetables in this chili?
+
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a convenient option. Add them about an hour before the chili is done to preserve their texture.
How can I make this chili spicier?
+
To increase the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you’re preparing the spice mix.
Is it possible to store leftover chili?
+
Yes, chili stores well. Cool it down, then keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
