Quinoa Chili

Quinoa Chili

There's nothing better during the cold gloomy winter than something warm and hearty for dinner.  This quinoa chili hits the spot perfectly.  It is my very favorite chili!  Since making it for the first time I haven't made another chili since--expect for the very occasional white chili.  I never eat this meal without a huge garnish of sour cream on the side--this is a must, and creates the perfect flavor.

 (source)

Quinoa Chili

(adapted from this recipe)

2 teaspoons organic coconut oil or grass fed butter

1 medium onion, chopped

2 teaspoons Real Salt

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

2/3 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained*

1 cup organic frozen corn

1 can tomato sauce (about 2 cups)

1 cup water

2 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Add onions and saute until tender.  Add salt, garlic, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon.

2. Add rinsed quinoa to pot.  Stir in corn, tomato sauce, and water.  Simmer together 20 minutes stirring occasionally.  

3. Add rinsed beans to pot.  Stir and simmer another 15 minutes.  Serve with grated cheese, sour cream, or avocado.

Vegetable Stir Fry Sauce

2 tablespoons corn starch
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon ginger
2-3 cloves garlic, minced

Stir corn starch and brown sugar together in sauce pan.  Add remaining ingredients.  Stir well.  Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally.  Heat until mixture boils for one full minute.  Cook and stir an additional one to two minutes, or until thickened to a syrup like consistency.  Poor over your favorite stir fry (onion, mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, red pepper, water chestnuts) just before serving. 

Southwestern Veggie Wraps

1 small onion
1 garlic, minced
1 T oil
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cup frozen corn
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 coarsely chopped zucchini
2/3 cup plus 2 T water, divided
1 t. chili powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. oregano
1/2 t. cumin
1/8 t. pepper
1 t. cornstarch
flour tortillas
salsa
sour cream

Saute onion and garlic in oil until tender.  Stir in beans, corn, red pepper, zucchini, 2/3 cup water, and spices.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 10-15 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.  Combine cornstarch and remaining water until smooth.  Stir into skillet.  Bring to a boil and cook for one minute until thickened.  Serve on tortilla with salsa and sour cream.