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Black Bean Quinoa Chili w/ Cocoa (Gluten Free, Vegan)

By: Jenn Sebestyen / Published: / Last Updated:

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Black Bean Quinoa Chili – packed with protein and healthy veggies, this vegetarian chili is hearty and satisfying!

Bowl of Black Bean Quinoa Chili topped with dairy free yogurt, lime wedges, and corn kernels. Tortilla chips and cilantro leaves next to the bowl.

I know everyone is knee deep in Thanksgiving menu planning. If you still need more recipe ideas, check out all of my offerings HERE. But, in the meantime, we gotta get through the rest of the week first. That’s where this Black Bean Quinoa Chili comes in. It’s quick and easy, packed with protein and nutrition to get through your days, and it even tastes just as great leftover. So make yourself a big batch to eat throughout the week so you can better focus on the upcoming holiday.

Two bowls of Black Bean Quinoa Chili. One on a yellow dish cloth. Tortilla chips on the table around both bowls. A pile of spoons next to one bowl.

Vegan Chili

In case you’re not convinced yet that chili doesn’t need meat to be hearty, savory and delicious, maybe you haven’t seen my Slow Cooker Black Bean Butternut Squash Chili, Easy Cheesy Chili Mac, or Pumpkin Lentil Chili. And if that’s not enough, I have even more on the blog, and I’m adding another one right now – this Black Bean Quinoa Chili.

Every time I create a new chili, I always think I’ve made a new favorite. That is, until I create a new one. I guess I just love chili so much that every single one is my favorite! And I think you’ll love this one too!

Close up front view of a white bowl of Black Bean Quinoa Chili

Chocolate in Chili?

I mean, really, is chocolate ever a bad idea? I think not. Now, before you start wondering if this black bean chili actually tastes like chocolate, let me assure you, it does not. The unsweetened cocoa powder (do not use milk chocolate or any other sweet chocolate) lends a great depth of flavor and a slight bitterness that complements the sweet peppers and corn and tones down the acidity of the tomatoes. No one will know it’s in there unless you tell them, but they will definitely know they like it!

My kids really loved this chili recipe! They thought it was especially awesome that they were eating “chocolate chili” as they called it. 🙂

A metal spoon in a bowl of Black Bean Quinoa Chili. Bowl is on a yellow dish cloth. Another bowl of chili in the background.

Black Bean Quinoa Chili w/ Cocoa

I hope you love this vegan quinoa chili as much as we do. If you make it, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback and star rating. You can also find me on social media. Snap a quick pic and tag @veggie_inspired and #veggieinspired so I’m sure to see it. Enjoy!

Black Bean Quinoa Chili
Print
Black Bean Quinoa Chili w/ Cocoa
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
50 mins
 
Black Bean Quinoa Chili w/ Cocoa - packed with protein and healthy veggies, this vegetarian chili is hearty and satisfying! The cocoa powder adds an incredible depth of flavor - but, don't worry - it won't taste chocolatey. Easy enough for a weeknight meal, delicious enough to serve to a crowd!
Course: Chili, Entree
Cuisine: dairy free, egg free, gluten free, refined sugar free, soy free, vegan, vegetarian
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 198 kcal
Author: Jenn Sebestyen
Ingredients
Toppings, optional
  • Lime wedges
  • vegan sour cream
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Tortilla chips (not optional in my opinion!)
Instructions
  1. In a soup pot on the stove, sautée the onion and green pepper in 3 tbsp of water for about 6-7 minutes until softened. Add additional water 1 tbsp at a time, as needed, so the vegetables don't stick.
  2. Add the shredded carrots, cocoa powder, and all spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, allspice, salt, and liquid smoke) and mix well. Sautée another 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, quinoa, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is cooked.
  4. Uncover, add corn, and simmer another 5-10 minutes.
  5. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes

If you like your chili soupier, feel free to add an additional cup or two of vegetable broth.

Nutrition facts calculate without toppings.

Nutrition Facts
Black Bean Quinoa Chili w/ Cocoa
Amount Per Serving
Calories 198 Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Sodium 567mg 24%
Potassium 778mg 22%
Total Carbohydrates 37g 12%
Dietary Fiber 7g 28%
Sugars 7g
Protein 8g 16%
Vitamin A 104%
Vitamin C 52%
Calcium 6%
Iron 24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.


More Vegan Chili Recipes to Love:

Pumpkin Lentil Chili

Pumpkin Lentil Chili

Chickpea White Chili

Chickpea White Chili

Spicy Beanless Garden Chili

Spicy Beanless Garden Chili

Black Bean Quinoa Chili w/ cocoa - packed with protein and healthy veggies, this vegan chili is hearty and satisfying. The cocoa powder lends a fantastic depth of flavor.

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Comments

  2. Mel | avirtualvegan.com says

    11/25/2016 at 10:11 am

    I am totally convinced that chili should be hearty, savory and delicious. otherwise what’s the point? ;O)
    Chili is one of my favourite meals ever and there are so many ways you can make it so it never gets old. I always add cocoa or chocolate to mine too. It makes such a difference!

    Reply

    • Jenn S. says

      11/25/2016 at 5:21 pm

      It does make a big difference! I love my chili hearty – like you could stand a spoon up in it kind of thick. 🙂 Thanks, Mel!

      Reply

  3. Taylor Kiser says

    11/23/2016 at 11:19 am

    I’m loving everything about this chili! It’s a perfect dinner to cozy up with any night of the week! So warm and hearty! Just what you want from a bowl of chili!

    Reply

    • Jenn S. says

      11/23/2016 at 7:39 am

      Thank you, Emily! I love the quinoa in it too – helps give it that ground meat kind of texture.

      Reply

  6. Melissa says

    11/22/2016 at 10:24 pm

    This chili looks so hearty, warm & comforting! Perfect for those breezy days ahead. I love adding chocolate to my chili, too. It adds such a nice flavor.

    Reply

    • Jenn S. says

      11/22/2016 at 2:57 pm

      Thanks, Elizabeth! I think you would love it! And the quinoa helps give it that texture of ground meat.

      Reply

    • Jenn S. says

      11/22/2016 at 2:55 pm

      Yes! Or if you have guests arriving a few days early – a big pot of chili would be a nice warm welcome. And it freezes beautifully in case there are any leftovers that won’t get used up in time. Thanks, Mary Ellen!

      Reply

  15. Alexa says

    11/22/2016 at 11:04 am

    Can I skip the Thanksgiving turkey and make this instead? So tempted to. Here it is the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and our house go hit with the crud. A veggie chili would hit the spot. I love the cocoa part … the more complex flavors the better.

    Reply

    • Jenn S. says

      11/22/2016 at 2:53 pm

      Ugh, I feel for you. We get sick every year at Thanksgiving. It’s and unfortunate tradition. One year, we flew to see my parents in NV and one of my daughters threw up about 12 hours before we were to leave. The other daughter and my hubby both got it ON Thanksgiving Day and then I got it 2 days after we got back home. The only one saved was my son, who I’m guessing was the one to bring it into the house in the first place. We’ve had colds this year for the past 3 weeks – they just keep passing it amongst themselves. Thankful, it’s not anything worse this year. I hope you guys feel better soon!!! And, yes, chili in lieu of turkey is totally acceptable!

      Reply

    • Jenn S. says

      11/22/2016 at 10:41 am

      Definitely great game day eats!! And the chocolate was amazing! Definitely not chocolatey, but adds a little something that is just so good! Thanks, Chrissa!

      Reply

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My name is Jenn. This is my blog where I share delicious plant based recipes for the whole family. I love to cook; I can read cookbooks like novels; and I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen by making standard American favorites healthier.

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