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This Pumpkin Quinoa Chili is made with Black Beans and Chickpeas (garbanzo beans). It's a yummy vegetarian version of regular chili. This recipe is vegan and gluten-free. This chili will keep you full and satisfied!
Quinoa Chili
- The pumpkin quinoa chili is meatless, vegetarian, naturally gluten-free, and healthy.
- Pumpkin is high in antioxidants.
- Black beans and garbanzo beans (chickpeas) are high in fiber.
- Quinoa is high in protein and a great substitution for meat in chili!
I love making SAVORY recipes using pumpkin puree, without any sweetness or spices that are usually associated with pumpkin. Take a look at my pumpkin chili with black beans and garbanzo beans - it's very similar to this recipe, but without the quinoa.
I just love how tasty this vegetarian recipe turned out to be! The quinoa chili only gets better the next day. It will last 1 week in the refrigerator. I also love to have this vegan and gluten-free dish for lunch! Just like most chilis, this one is quite easy to make once you have all the ingredients.
Substitutions:
- Use mashed sweet potatoes, mashed yum potatoes, or pureed butternut squash in place of pumpkin.
- Use any other white beans, such as cannellini beans, in place of garbanzo beans.
How to cook quinoa
- Combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water in a large pan.
- Bring to boil.
- Reduce to simmer. Simmer for about 20 minutes, until the quinoa absorbs the water.
How to make vegetarian quinoa chili
- Cook chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil for about 2 minutes on medium heat in a large pot or skillet. Cook until the onion is soft.
- Add pumpkin, canned tomatoes, water, and quinoa. Chop the tomatoes into smaller chunks. Cook on medium heat.
- Add drained black beans and drained garbanzo beans to the same pan.
- Add 1 tablespoon of cumin, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, and salt. Stir everything well, and season with more salt if needed.
- Bring to boil. Stir all the ingredients well together to combine flavors and spices.
- Reduce to simmer and cook for 15 minutes on simmer.
Other Vegetarian Recipes
- Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna
- Black Bean and Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole
- Black Bean and Butternut Squash Soup
Vegetarian Black Bean and Pumpkin Quinoa Chili
Ingredients
Quinoa Chili:
- 1 cup quinoa uncooked
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups tomatoes canned
- 2 cups pumpkin puree canned or homemade
- 3 cups water
- 15 oz black beans canned - drained
- 15 oz garbanzo beans canned - drained
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt at least
Instructions
Quinoa
- Add 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water to a large pan.
- Bring to boil. Reduce heat.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa absorbs the water.
Quinoa Chili
- In a large pot or skillet, cook the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil for about 2 minutes on medium heat until the onion is soft.
- Add pumpkin, canned tomatoes (chop them up into smaller chunks), 3 cups of water, black beans (drained), garbanzo beans (drained), and quinoa.
- Add 1 tablespoon of cumin, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, and ½ and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Stir everything well, and season with more salt if needed.
- Bring to boil.
- Stir all the ingredients well together to combine flavors and spices. Reduce to simmer and cook pumpkin quinoa chili for 15 minutes on simmer.
- Serve in soup bowls. Optional garnish includes sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Can't wait to try this recipe! In South Africa we don't get pumpkin puree in shops so I'll do homemade. Which variety of pumpkin is best to use?
I've made this twice and I LOVE it. The only thing that I did different was cook my quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water (cooks exactly the same) and it gives it a richer flavor. Also, it doesn't "taste like quinoa" as much so it'd be great for those who are on the fence about quinoa. Oh and I added a lot of sriracha at the table...Chili is best with some heat.
Also, this make so much. Has anyone tried freezing it or know how well it would freeze?
I love making this recipe for company. Made some today and I’m wondering if I can freeze the leftovers. No company here today,lol. How many days does it last in refrigerator?
Pam, this is a very late response. 🙂 Yes, you can freeze this. This will last 5 days refrigerated.
If i made this in a crockpot, how long do you think I should cook it for?
I was wondering this too! Has anyone tried it?
HI, I TRIED YOUR RECIPIE AND IT WAS DELICIOUS! HOWEVER, I FOUND THAT I NEEDED TO ADD ABOUT 2 ADDITIONAL CUPS OF WATER TO MAINTAIN THE CONSISTANCY THAT SHOWS IN YOUR PHOTOS. OTHER THAN THAT, WE LOVED IT! 🙂
Looks delicious Julia! 🙂
This recipe looks so delicious and nutrient dense! Love it!
I use sweet potatoes in chili all the time, and sometimes squash. But never tried pumpkin for some reason. I should. I will. 😉 This looks terrific -- thanks.
Beautiful chili recipe, Julia! It reminds me of a bulgar wheat chili recipe I used to make, but your quinoa version is such a healthier and protein-packed option! Plus, the addition of pumpkin in this savory dish? Divine! Thank you for sharing. I will definitely be making this one and I know it will become a favorite at our house. Gorgeous photography as usual, too, my friend. 🙂 Your posts always inspire!
The perfect hearty, healthy chili for January!
I Love black beans and pumpkin, I never thought to combine them!
YUM! Julia I love using pumpkin puree in chili too and this looks so incredibly heart and mouthwatering!
Adding Quinoa is a great idea to chili. Such a great comfort food in the winter!
Looks good!