This is hands down the best Vegetarian Bean Quinoa Chili we have ever devoured. Hearty, healthy, and easy to make this Vegetarian Chili is full of flavors, bet you will not miss the meat!!
Vegetarian Bean Quinoa Chili is a perfect comfort meal in a bowl with all the goodness of veggies, beans, and tomatoes, giving this chili bold flavors you would love to dig in. This an excellent recipe for meatless Mondays and all vegetarians.
It's been freezing for the last couple of weeks and with the dipping temperatures all I can think of is a bowl of warm and comforting food such as this Vegetarian Bean Quinoa Chili. We all love this vegetarian chili and the best part about it is that it comes together in no time.
This is an excellent recipe for those busy week nights when you just don't have any energy to cook. This chili tastes even better the next day. I always double the recipe and freeze it for those days when you just don't feel like cooking.
Make this chili for potlucks or football nights. Enjoy this hearty, healthy chili with friends and family. This chili is an absolute crowd pleaser!! Make it vegan and gluten-free by choosing the right toppings. This chili recipe is easily customizable to one's taste.
Table of contents
Quinoa Nutritional Values
High in fiber and protein, Quinoa (KEEN-wah) is often referred to as the super-grain. This superfood is classified as a naturally gluten-free whole grain. High in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and various beneficial antioxidants.
Quinoa has fewer calories and carbohydrates as compared to white rice. It has a low glycemic index as compared to white rice, thus it could be beneficial for people with diabetes.
Quinoa, Sorghum, Millet, Oats, Buckwheat, Amaranth, Teff, Corn, and Brown rice are considered naturally gluten-free whole grains.
Ingredients for Vegetarian Quinoa Chili
The ingredients in vegetarian bean quinoa chili are nutritious, flavorful, and versatile, making them perfect for creating a satisfying and tasty meal.
Beans - beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. They are versatile, come in many varieties, and have a slightly nutty and creamy texture when cooked. They can absorb the flavors of the spices and seasonings used in the chili, adding depth and richness to the dish.
Quinoa - quinoa is a gluten-free seed that is high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and filling ingredient in the chili. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a fluffy texture when cooked.
Vegetables - vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes add nutrition, color, and flavor to the chili. They can provide sweetness, acidity, and freshness to the dish and complement the other ingredients.
Spices - chili powder, cumin, paprika, and other spices add warmth and complexity to the chili. They can enhance the flavors of the other ingredients, provide a mild or spicy heat, and make the dish more aromatic.
How to cook Vegetarian Quinoa Chili
With just the basic ingredients found in the pantry, this chili recipe is yet another simple and easy recipe to put together and one of my favorite chili recipes. You can use Instant Pot (pressure cooker) or make this chili on a stovetop. Sharing Instant Pot and stovetop recipe for making this amazing vegetarian bean quinoa chili.
Instant Pot Vegetarian Quinoa Chili
Making this chili in Instant Pot is my go-to-recipes for these cold, wintry nights. Making this Vegetarian Bean Quinoa Chili in an Instant Pot is a very easy and quick recipe without compromising on its taste or flavors.
To make Instant Pot vegetarian quinoa chili, you will first sauté diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic in a little bit of oil using the "Saute" function of the Instant Pot. Then, add in the quinoa, drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together.
Next, close the lid on the Instant Pot and set the pressure valve to "Sealing." Press the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" button and set the timer for 6 minutes. After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before carefully doing a quick release by turning the pressure valve to "Venting."
Once the pressure has been fully released and the valve has dropped, remove the lid from the Instant Pot and give the chili a good stir. Serve the chili hot, topped with shredded cheese, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro if desired.
Stovetop Vegetarian Quinoa Chili
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a little bit of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add the quinoa, drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Pour in the vegetable broth and stir everything together again. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once the chili is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check the quinoa for doneness, making sure it is cooked through and tender.
Once the quinoa is cooked and the chili has thickened to your liking, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with any desired toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
Toppings Suggestions
Shredded cheese - a classic topping for chili, cheese adds a creamy and savory flavor to the dish.
Sour cream - sour cream can help balance out the spiciness of the chili and adds a tangy flavor.
Avocado - diced or sliced avocado adds a creamy and fresh flavor to the chili and also provides healthy fats.
Cilantro - chopped cilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the chili.
Cilantro - chopped cilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the chili.
Jalapeno peppers - diced jalapeno peppers can add some heat to the chili and also provide a fresh and crunchy texture.
Tortilla chips - crumbled tortilla chips can add a crunchy texture and salty flavor to the chili.
Lime wedges - squeezing fresh lime juice over the chili can add a bright and citrusy flavor to the dish.
Sides that go well with Chili
Cornbread - cornbread is a classic pairing with chili and provides a sweet and savory complement to the spiciness of the chili.
Salad - a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the chili.
Baked sweet potatoes - roasted sweet potatoes are a healthy and delicious side dish that pairs well with the flavors of the chili.
Tortilla chips - serve the chili with a side of tortilla chips for a crunchy texture and additional flavor.
FAQ's
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as long as you use vegetable broth and choose vegan toppings.
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, you can use any type of canned beans that you prefer, such as pinto beans, chickpeas, or navy beans.
Can I use dry beans instead of canned ones?
Absolutely, cook the beans first and then use it in the recipe.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer, but the flavor may be slightly different.
Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?
Yes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the chili?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of chili powder and other spices to your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder chili, you can use less chili powder or omit it altogether. If you prefer a spicier chili, you can add more chili powder or even add some diced jalapeno peppers.
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Some more comfort food recipes
Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
Vegetarian Bean Quinoa Chili - Instant Pot, Stove Top
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can, dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can, cannelini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can, diced tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can, tomato sauce
- ½ cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoon oil
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Dry Spices:
- 2 tablespoon dark chili powder
- 2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For garnish:
- Handful of fresh cilantro
- 1 ripe avocado, chopped
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
Instant Pot Vegetarian Bean Quinoa Chili:
- Turn on Instant Pot to saute mode (high).
- When it displays "HOT", add oil, onion, garlic, celery, carrots, bell pepper, jalapeno and saute for 1-2 minutes.
- Add quinoa, dry spices - chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, dried oregano and mix well. Roast the quinoa and spices for 1-2 minutes.
- Add beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth. Mix well. Turn off Instant Pot. Close the IP lid, vent sealed.
- Turn on Manual/Pressure cook mode (high), "5" minutes.
- Let pressure release naturally, around 15-20 minutes. Open the IP lid.
- Adjust the seasonings - salt & pepper.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, some avocado and some freshly squeezed lemon juice. Enjoy!!
Stovetop Vegetarian Bean Quinoa Chili:
- For stove top cooking, follow the same steps as discussed in the recipe. Instead of pressure cooking, bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for around 15-20 minutes. Rest of the steps remain the same as Instant Pot.
Notes
- Different types of beans such as kidney beans - light & dark, black beans, and pinto beans can be used or even a combination of beans works just as well.
- Veggies can be added as per choice. Such as red or green bell peppers, corn, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes.
- Adjust the spiciness as per taste.
- Chili thickens over time. After cooking, give it a standing time of around 15-20 mins for the flavors to blend well.
- Add topping of your choice, avocado, fresh cilantro, and lemon juice.
- Please refer to the post for the following
-
- Tips for Best Vegetarian Quinoa Chili
- Toppings Suggestions
- Sides that go well with chili
- FAQ's
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
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