Vegetarian Chocolate Quinoa Chili

If you love eating chili, also be sure to try our black bean and corn chili with avocado salsa! There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm chili on a cold day. You’re going to fall in love with this cozy chocolate quinoa chili that’s more rich and delicious than many of the vegetarian chili recipes out there. Using cocoa powder and chocolate (yes, chocolate!) lends a lot of flavor and gives this quinoa chili a creamy texture, which can be hard to do with vegetarian chili. Even a meat-eater might be fooled into thinking this is a meat-based recipe! While you’re at it, make a big batch of this delicious chili. It’s a crowd-pleaser that kids will love, too! It’s easy to make and freezes well for quick meals throughout the colder months. We love using quinoa in chili because it gives it a wonderful chewy texture and adds bulk to the stew. You’ll be surprised at how meaty it makes the chili. Quinoa is also rich in both fiber and protein, making it more nutritious. It’s also really easy and affordable to do! Simply add it in during the final twenty minutes of cooking (we use one cup in this recipe). Do note that the quinoa will take a little longer than normal to cook in the chili. The great news about this list of ingredients is that you’re likely to have most of them in your pantry already. This is everything you’ll need to make this vegetarian chocolate chili with quinoa:

Olive oil – for sautéing. Onion + garlic – add flavor to the savory tomato broth. Veggies – we use celery, carrot, and red bell peppers for a tasty mix of flavor and color. Cocoa powder – this is a key ingredient in making the chili rich and creamy. Seasonings – two classic chili seasoning ingredients: chili powder and oregano. Tomato paste – adds a depth of flavor to the tomato broth. Water or vegetable stock – if using water, add a pinch of salt for seasoning. Diced tomatoes – bonus if they’re fire roasted! Kidney beans – these hearty beans retain their shape in the chili and take on the other wonderful flavors. Molasses + honey – give the chili a warm, sweet depth of flavor. Quinoa – adds a wonderful, meaty texture and protein to this vegetarian chili. Dark chocolate chips – the surprise ingredient making this chili oh-so-delicious and creamy.

Once it’s on, it’s mostly hands-off cooking so you can make yourself a fizzy lime margarita and kick back while the stove does all the work. Here’s how it comes together:

Love quinoa? Try these quinoa recipes!

Mexican Quinoa Soup Spring Quinoa Salad Curried Quinoa Vegetable Stew Quinoa Cornbread Muffins Summer Quinoa Salad with Cherries and Almonds

This chocolate quinoa chili is so rich that it tastes great on its own, but here are some other ways we like to enjoy it:

Simply topped with chopped chives or cilantro. With warm corn tortillas for soaking up the delicious sauce. With a dollop of easy guacamole or Mexican corn dip and crispy tortilla chips. With our no yeast bread with herbs and cheese, and a smear of our homemade butter. Alongside some vegetarian tacos for a more filling meal like these pumpkin spice tacos.