Quinoa Chili

Adapted from Allrecipes

I haven't blogged a recipe in forever!  BUT I have been cooking.  I just have been a bit busy lately and, unfortunately, blogging recipes has dropped to the bottom of my 'To Do' list.

This chili is great for cold wintery days.  And it's super healthy!  You can substitute a different kind of beans (like black beans) if desired.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 lb extra lean ground beef
• 1 Tbs olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbs chili powder
• 1 Tbs ground cumin
• 1 (28 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
• 2 (19 oz) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano leaves
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
• ¼ chopped fresh cilantro
• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Tortilla chips

 Directions:

·         Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender, and the water has been absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes.

·         Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir in the ground beef. Cook and stir until the beef is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink. Drain and discard any excess grease; set beef aside.

·         Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion, garlic, and jalapeno pepper; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with chili powder and cumin; cook 1 minute more to release the flavor of the spices. Stir in the tomatoes, black beans, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, zucchini, oregano, and parsley. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Simmer until the bell peppers are tender, about 20 minutes.

·         Once the red and green peppers are tender, stir in the quinoa, beef, and corn kernels. Return to a simmer, and cook 5 minutes to reheat. Stir in the cilantro and serve with sour cream, cheddar cheese and tortilla chips.