VEGETARIAN CHILI

Conventional Recipe

I have tried a long time to find a vegetarian chili recipe that we like. Here it is! If you like a really spicy chili (we are whimps here at our place) then double the amount of chili powder and cumin. My husband took this to the chili cook-off at work and it took 3rd place.

1 C red kidney beans
1 C black beans
1 onion
4 cloves garlic
1/2 T chili powder
1/2 T cumin
1 t oregano
1/8 t cayenne pepper
2 bay leaves
1/2-1 C quinoa *
2 quarts canned tomatoes with juice
1 C corn-optional
1 T tamari
3 C water
1 t salt
grated cheddar cheese

Soak the beans overnight. Drain beans.

Place all ingredients into crockpot.

Stir well and cook on low for 10-12 hours (high 4-6 hours) or until beans are tender.

Top individual bowls of chili with grated cheddar cheese and serve.

* Rinse the quinoa well under warm running water to remove the saponin. Saponin is the natural coating on quinoa that repels insects and birds and can cause a bitter taste if it is not rinsed.