1. Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by preparing your vegetables. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. This step is important as rinsing the quinoa helps remove its natural bitterness, ensuring a clean taste in the chili.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the chili. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the Spices and Tomato Paste

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps release the flavors of the spices, creating a flavorful base for the chili. Add the tomato paste and stir it in with the vegetables and spices, cooking for an additional minute.

4. Add the Quinoa and Liquid

Once the spices and tomato paste are well combined with the vegetables, add the rinsed quinoa to the pot. Stir it in to coat the quinoa with the flavors. Then, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, kidney beans, corn, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Simmer the Chili

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the vegetables are tender. Stir the chili occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You may need to add a little more vegetable broth or water if the chili becomes too thick.

6. Adjust Seasonings and Serve

After the chili has simmered and the quinoa is fully cooked, taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your taste preferences. If you like your chili spicier, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce at this point.

Serve the chili hot with your choice of toppings. Fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream all make excellent additions to this chili.