Walnut-Black Bean Chili Bowl

 Here is another walnut recipe that will amp up your Omega 3 essential fatty acids! Don't forget-- Walnuts are the anti-depression nuts! 

If you love chili (and who doesn't?) this Walnut- Black Bean Chili Bowl is the best way to enjoy chili-- with all the various garnishings built right in as part of the meal.  It is a vegan whole-food, plant-based meal that your microbiota will just love-- that will spark up and maintain good immunity as well as build a good foundation for your future health.  The Cacao (or unsweetened Cocoa) powder provides an authentic and delectable flavour that takes the edge off the more acidic ingredients.

Walnut-Black Bean Chili Bowl-- the chili is almost totally obscured by all the garnishes...

So, let's start with the INGREDIENTS for the Chili Bowl

• Quinoa (as per instructions on the box)

• 2 C. Walnuts chopped fine (in food processor or by hand)

• 1 1/2 T. choice of Cooking Oil, or Water, or Vegetable Broth
• 1 large Yellow Onion, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 Bell Pepper, chopped
• 1 tsp. Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. Chipotle Chili Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp. Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 tsp. Salt
• 2- 14.5 oz. cans Diced Tomatoes
• 3 1/2 C. Water or Vegetable BrothC
• 2 tsp. Cacao Powder or Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 1 large Sweet Potato, diced
• 2- 14.5 oz. Black Beans

• GARNISHES: Chopped Cilantro, Chopped Romaine Lettuce, Sliced Black Olives, Sliced Avocado, Daiya Cheese Shreds, Cashew Sour Cream, Chipotle Salsa

METHOD:

1. Cook Quinoa as per box instructions (4 - 6 servings).  Keep warm.
2. Toast Walnuts in a dry frying pan, stirring regularly, for about 4 minutes. Set aside.
3. Cook Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper for a few minutes on medium heat.
4. Stir in the Spices and Salt
5. Add in the Tomatoes, added Water, Cacao, and Sweet Potatoes on Medium-Low
6. When potatoes are tender, add in Black Beans and Walnuts.  Stir.  Remove from heat.
7. Put quinoa in the bowl and top with Chili.  Add other garnishes as required. Enjoy!