Quinoa Chili - Gluten-Free and Vegetarian

I've been wanting to make a quinoa chili for a long time.  Sometimes, I just need to wait for the right inspiration to come in order for me to create just the right recipe ;)  This time, it was cleaning out my pantry!  LOL  Hey, whatever it takes!

This quinoa chili was delicious!  I didn't miss the meat at all.  There's a tiny bit of heat, but I wouldn't call it spicy.  My kids didn't say anything about it.  My husband mentioned how filling this was, and I have to agree.  Also, I wanted to mention...don't be fooled by the long list of ingredients.  There are several cans to open and some spices to dump in and not a lot of chopping.  It all comes together very quickly.  Give it a try! ;)

Servings: 10-12

Ingredients:
15.5 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
15.5 oz. can Northern beans, drained and rinsed
28 oz. can diced tomatoes
16 oz. tomato sauce
12 oz. can tomato paste
3/4 cup onion, chopped
3/4 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup baby bella mushrooms, chopped
1 cup uncooked quinoa
1 Tbsp. onion powder
2 Tbsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. Mrs. Dash Fiesta Lime Seasoning
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf
7-8 cups water

Directions: (Use a 6 quart or larger slow cooker for this recipe)

Place the beans in the bottom of your crock.

Add in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato paste.

Next, add in the onions, mushrooms, carrots and quinoa.

It's time for all those wonderful spices!

Add in all the remaining ingredients, including the water, then stir.

Cook on LOW for 8-9 hours.

Serve and ENJOY!