02 December 2011

Lean Bean Chili


If you've been watching Top Chef, you may remember the contestants competing in
a chili competition a couple episodes back; This inspired me to head into the kitchen 
and stew up a recipe of my own. It may not be eligible to win any prizes, but my healthy 
Bean and Quinoa Chili tastes as good as gold- especially when the weather is cold!


Lean Bean Quinoa Chili
created by Snacking Squirrel


2 cups water
(or 1 cup dry + water )
1 cup diced white onion
(or 3/4 cup crushed tomatoes)
1/2 cup quinoa flakes or quinoa
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/3 cup corn kernels
2 cloves chopped garlic
1/2 tsp-1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp brown sugar
(optional - your choice)
1/8 tsp cinnamon


Directions:
A. If using dry beans, cook them in a pot of water prior to adding the other ingredients
B. Add water to a pot and bring to a light boil, then add the quinoa flakes or whole quinoa
C. Reduce to simmer for a couple minutes, then add in the beans, corn, and vegetables
D. Slowly stir in the rest of the ingredients, spices, and seasonings
E. Let everything simmer for 20-30 minutes before serving


Makes 4 large servings - about 225 calories per bowl



Question: Do you like beans in your chili?

9 comments:

Living, Learning, Eating said... [reply]

I'm just not a chili person...perhaps it has to do with my pretty much non-existent savory tooth. :P

Natalie said... [reply]

I am worried :( your recipes never contain fats...maybe thats why you suffer from depression and mood swings? http://www.freefitnesstips.co.uk/dietary-fat-deficiency.html

Love the recipe otherwise.

Chelsea said... [reply]

Beans are essential in chili! I like to have at least 2 big cans of beans in mine. It makes it so filling. :D

Lauren said... [reply]

I love this recipe! I've never added quinoa to chili :)

Jenn said... [reply]

This looks delicious! I eat quinoa all the time, but didn't know you could buy quinoa flakes! And I agree with Chelsea, beans are essential to chili. :)

Marianne (frenchfriestoflaxseeds) said... [reply]

I like beans in chili as long as they aren't kidney beans. I don't know what it is about kidney beans, but I can't stand them!

the delicate place said... [reply]

i'm not from texas, but i agree with them in that a true chili doesn't have beans ;p i never put any in mine (just not a bean fan i guess) but i always put lots of meat, and sweet peppers inside! p.s. loved the gluten free gingerbread cookies yum!

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said... [reply]

I think chili is not chili without beans.

Anonymous said... [reply]

Mm, looks so good. I've never had chili before actually. I keep telling myself I need to try it; both because it looks good and everyone seems to love it. Nice addition of quinoa too! Don't think I've seen that before.. :)

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