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–+ servings
Slow Cooker Quinoa, Sweet Potato, & Black Bean Chili - a protein-rich (and very tasty) vegetarian chili recipe
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 8 hours
Total: 8 hours 15 minutes

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili

An unbelievably easy, protein-rich, and hearty chili to warm up the coldest of winter nights. Just dump the ingredients in the Crock Pot and come home to dinner!
Yield: 6

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa rinsed well in cool water
  • 3 cups cooked black beans about 2 [15-ounce] cans, drained
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 14-ounce cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and minced*
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper more or less to taste
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Additional salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients (except additional salt and pepper and toppings) to a 3-quart or larger slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. That's it! Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve with assorted toppings.

Notes

* Because jalapeno peppers can vary greatly heat-wise, I like to take a quick taste and see how hot it is. If it's fairly mild, I'll add seeds along with the flesh. If it's pretty spicy, I'll discard the seeds and even sometimes use only half of the pepper. Go with what you're comfortable with!
Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm leftovers in the microwave or gently over the stove.
Freezing: To freeze, place cooled leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth if it's too thick. 

Topping ideas:

Try cilantro, creek yogurt or sour cream (or if vegan, try this delicious vegan cashew sour cream), scallions, and/or avocado. Yum!

Meat option:

Add cooked diced chicken or browned ground turkey to the batch or to individual portions.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 257kcal, Carbohydrates: 50g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 769mg, Potassium: 764mg, Fiber: 13g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 11432IU, Vitamin C: 22mg, Calcium: 71mg, Iron: 4mg