Feeding the Whole Family

Feeding the Whole Family is a cookbook by Cynthia Lair that provides simple vegetarian recipes for families who want to eat a meal prepared with fresh, whole foods. I just love her Red Bean & Quinoa Chili recipe. What's quinoa you ask? I've been eating this ancient Incan grain, pronounced Keen-Wah, for many years because it's easy to cook, has a light texture and nutty taste, is an easy substitute for rice, and has the unique benefits of being a complete protein because it contains all eight essential amino acids. And it's high in iron and low carb to boot. It's a SuperGrain so eat up! Cook it in the rice cooker or on the stove top just like rice.

Cynthia Lair's Red Bean and Quinoa Chili (adapted)

The cinnamon in this dish gives it a natural sweetness that I love. Buy her cookbook and you won't be sorry.
Preparation time: 1 1/2 hours, 30 minutes if beans are pre-cooked.

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried kidney beans, soaked overnight
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin seed
• 3 cups water
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
• 1 large green, red, yellow or orange bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 teaspoons ground cumin seed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2/3 cup quinoa, rinsed in warm water and drained
• 1 cup fresh or frozen corn (I like Trader Joe's frozen roasted corn)
• 1-2 cups organic tomato sauce
• 1 cup water

Optional garnish
A few tablespoons of grated cheese

Preparation:

1. Drain soaking water off beans. Place beans in a large pot with cumin and water; bring to boil. Simmer over low heat, covered, until tender (50-60 minutes) or pressure-cook using 2 cups water (45 minutes). If you want to buy canned beans, use 3 cups' worth and rinse before using.
2. Heat oil in skilled on medium heat. Add onion, salt, garlic, pepper, and spices; saute for 5-10 minutes. Add rinsed quinoa and stir in. Add corn, tomato sauce, and water to onion/quinoa mixture. Simmer together 20 minutes. Add cooked beant to other ingredients; simmer another 10 minutes. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired.