Football Friday: Vegetarian Chili

I think we can all thank Bud Light for making quinoa a thing.


And it was definitely a thing this past week in the Wisconsin Test Kitchen when we used it in a pot of vegetarian chili. Quinoa is an excellent substitute for meat because it's high in protein, it's filling and it has a "meaty" texture when combined with tomatoes and beans in chili. 

Despite the fact the Wisconsin Test Kitchen is made up of serious carnivores, we loved this chili. The seasonings were excellent, and the combination of black and kidney beans was satisfying. We'll be making this again soon. 

Quinoa Chili
Recipe courtesy of: http://www.cookingclassy.com/2013/07/quinoa-chili/


2 cups cooked quinoa 
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced (1 3/4 cup)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes (we use fresh tomatoes)
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 - 2 cups vegetable stock
1 (7 oz) can diced green chiles
2 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn



Heat olive oil in a large enameled cast iron pot over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot add onion and saute until tender, about 4 minutes, adding in garlic during last 30 seconds of sauteing. Add in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked quinoa, stock (start with 1 1/2 cups then add more later if desired), green chiles, chili powder, cumin, cocoa, paprika, sugar, coriander, cayenne pepper and season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Bring mixture just to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover pot and allow to simmer 30 minutes. 

Add in beans and corn, and cook until heated through. Serve warm with optional toppings and sides (cheddar, sour cream, diced avocados, saltine crackers or tortilla chips).

In regards to football picks, Dad #1 has a pretty solid lead over Dad #2 with 48 correct predictions to 33. But, the season is still early and anything can happen. Here are this weeks predictions:

Colts vs. Texans
Dad #1: Indy
Dad #2: Indy

Jaguars vs. Titans
Dad #1: Tennessee
Dad #2: Tennessee

Ravens vs. Buccaneers
Dad #1: Baltimore
Dad #2: Tampa Bay

Broncos vs. Jets
Dad #1: Denver
Dad #2: Denver

Lions vs. Vikings
Dad #1: Minnesota
Dad #2: Detroit

Patriots vs. Bills
Dad #1: New England
Dad #2: New England

Panthers vs. Bengals
Dad #1: Carolina
Dad #2: Cincinnati 

Packers vs. Dolphins
Dad #1: Green Bay
Dad #2: Green Bay

Chargers vs. Raiders
Dad #1: San Diego
Dad #2: San Diego

Bears vs. Falcons
Dad #1: Atlanta
Dad #2: Atlanta

Cowboys vs. Seahawks
Dad #1: Dallas
Dad #2: Seattle

Redskins vs. Cardinals
Dad #1: Arizona
Dad #2: Washington

Giants vs. Eagles
Dad #1: New York
Dad #2: Philadelphia 

49ers vs. Rams
Dad #1: San Francisco
Dad #2: San Francisco 

Here's to a great weekend full of football and food!

Stay Cool,
The Cool Dads Crew