Hearty Vegan Quinoa Chili (Easy One-Pot Recipe!)
A hearty and healthy one-pot quinoa chili that is completely vegan and gluten-free. This simple recipe features a flavorful base of sautéed onions and bell peppers, seasoned with a classic blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Uncooked quinoa is added directly to the pot and simmered in a savory mixture of vegetable broth and tomato sauce until it’s tender. The chili is packed with plant-based protein from black beans and kidney beans, and finished with corn and fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 small bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 cups dry quinoa
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups vegetable broth, divided
- 3 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup canned corn
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until just tender.
- Add the minced garlic and the dry, uncooked quinoa. Stir to combine.
- Slowly pour in the tomato sauce and 3 cups of the vegetable broth.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the Dutch oven, turn the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the remaining 1 cup of broth, the corn, the undrained diced tomatoes, and the drained and rinsed beans.
- Continue to cook for an additional 7-10 minutes, until the quinoa is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh cilantro.
- Serve warm with your favorite chili toppings.
Notes
- This is a true one-pan meal where the uncooked quinoa cooks directly in the pot with the other ingredients, making for very easy cleanup.
- It is important to keep the heat on low during the simmering step to ensure the quinoa cooks fully and evenly without scorching on the bottom.
- This chili is a great option for meal prep, as the flavors will continue to meld in the refrigerator.
Find it online: https://www.eatswithsoul.com/hearty-vegan-quinoa-chili/