A vegetarian roommate would make this on the weekend and eat it throughout the weekend. I'm not vegetarian but I love it. I also like that the heat mostly comes from the jalapeno so it's not as harsh as when it all comes from dried spices. You can add as much or as little jalapeno as you like, of course.
Quinoa Vegetable Stew/Chili
1/2 c. quinoa, rinsed well and drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 large carrot, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 14.5 oz. can whole tomatoes, coarsely chopped, juice reserved
3/4 c. basic vegetable stock or water
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small zucchini, cubed
1/2 c. fresh or frozen corn kernels
1/2 c. fresh or frozen peas
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
pinch cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
freshly milled black pepper
grated cheddar or monterey jack cheese (optional)
chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
1/2 to 1 fresh minced jalapeno pepper (optional)
1 to 2 cups cooked pinto, chick, or garbanzo beans (optional)
Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to very low, cover, and simmer until the water is completely absorbed and the quinoa is tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and salt and saute, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften, about 2 minutes. Stir in the carrot and garlic, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the carrot is crisp-tender, about 6 minutes more.
Add the tomatoes and their juice, vegetable stock or water, bell pepper, zucchini, corn, peas, cumin, coriander, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne (and jalapeno). Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the vegetables are cooked to the desired doneness, 10 to 15 minutes. (Add beans after 5 minutes.) Stir in the quinoa and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with the cheese and/or sprinking of cilantro, if desired.