Kidney beans, black beans, and a generous mix of Southwestern spices — cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and oregano — build the backbone of this hearty one-pot chili. Diced tomatoes and seasonal vegetables round out the texture, and the whole pot simmers in under an hour. Serve it with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal.
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warmed, add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and lightly golden, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the garlic is fragrant and the peppers have softened slightly.
Stir in the chopped heirloom tomatoes, allowing them to cook for about 5 minutes until they start to break down and release their juices.
Add the kidney beans, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the chili cook for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.
In the final 10 minutes of cooking, add the frozen corn and pre-cooked quinoa. Stir thoroughly and continue to simmer until the corn is heated through.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro or avocado slices.
Notes
Consider serving with crusty vegan bread or over a bed of brown rice for a heartier meal. For added heat, incorporate a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers, or finish with a dash of vegan hot sauce.