Slow Cooker Quinoa Chili

Do you quinoa?  I have tried it in several different applications from salads to breakfast cereal and even this chocolate cake. I'll be honest - I don't think it's as great as all the food bloggers make it out to be. But this chili is without a doubt my favorite use of it. I like it better than the ground beef slow cooker chilis I've made, and the slow cooker makes it simple. I usually buy quinoa at Trader Joe's, which I find has the most reasonable price. Give it a try!

from Everyday Reading 

1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 4-ounce can diced mild green chiles
1 cup frozen corn
2-3 cups vegetable broth (use the higher amount if your crockpot runs hot or you'll be cooking it longer than about 6 hours)
1/2 onion, diced
1 bell pepper (I used red), diced
2 teaspoons garlic powder (I used garlic salt because my beans weren't cooked in any salt)
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
3/4 cup quinoa, rinsed throughly

Guacamole, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, etc for serving


Combine all ingredients (except the toppings, obviously) in a crockpot. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Stir to combine, salt and pepper to taste, and serve with your choice of toppings.