Vegetarian Chili with Turkey Meatballs

Vegetarian Chili with Turkey Meatballs

 

 

 

I am all about some soup this time of year. Especially super easy, soul warming foods like soups, stews, and chili. Chili is definitely one of my favorite ways to use food for fuel. It’s packed with nutrient dense foods such as fiberlicious black and kidney beans, veggies, and the super grain quinoa.

 I love quinoa. In fact ever since I have been finally eating high protein low carb, it’s one of my go to pantry staples. It is packed with protein, magnesium, lysine (which helps with tissue growth), iron, and has twice as much fiber as any other grain out there! So, let’s just say the chili alone will leave you stuffed and satisfied let alone sticking to your New Year’s resolution.

 As you have been reading, I stick to a main high protein low carb diet. And I am currently revamping my blog to reflect that. I want to share with you what I actually eat on the day to day basis. I like to use my food as fuel so my body is in prime condition to endure my vigorous Crossfit workouts.

 Have I mentioned I love Crossfit? Never in a million years would I have thought I would love getting my ass kicked at the gym and pushing myself far and beyond what I thought I was capable of! I am still a work in progress, but I know I am making progress as my husband bought me several outfits for Christmas. All of which were a smaller size and they all fit!  I am super proud of the progress I have made so far and I can’t wait to see where I am 6 months from now! I hope to be a slimmer much fitter version of where I am now!

 

 Now, to accompany this amazing vegetarian chili is some protein packed turkey meatballs!

 I love meatballs. You can dress them up in so many ways with so many protein varieties out there I never get bored with them. Turkey meatballs are one of my favorites and I usually pair this chili with 2 1” meatballs wrapped in lettuce. It’s like little lettuce sliders! 

 I hope you enjoy this super easy combo for any time of day! These make great make ahead lunches as well and pack up nicely for taking to school or work!

 Chili serves 7-8: Calories:

Meatballs serve: 6-7

You Need:

 For chili:

1 tbs coconut oil

1 can of no salt added tomato sauce

1 can crushed tomatoes (24 oz.)

2-3 cups of unsalted vegetable broth or stock

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne

Pinch of red pepper flakes

1 tbs cumin

1 tbs chili powder

1 green pepper, diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

½ red onion, diced

1 large carrot (or 2 medium carrots) diced

¾ cup of frozen corn

1 ½ cups of quinoa

1 can of dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can of reduced sodium black beans, drained and rinsed

Green onion (garnish)

Nonfat plain Greek yogurt (garnish)

 

For meatballs:

1 lb ground turkey breast

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 egg whites ( or 1 egg) 

1 tbs ground flax meal

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground mustard

1 teaspoon dried parsley

½ teaspoon kosher salt

Black pepper

 

Directions:

 

Preheat oven to 350

 

Spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper

 Mix all ingredients for meat balls thoroughly in a large mixing bowl

 Roll 1” meatballs with hands and place on baking sheet

 Bake meatballs in oven for 30 minutes

 While meatballs are baking, start the chili

 In large Dutch oven or large sauce pan, heat oil on medium heat (about 30 seconds)

 Add onions and garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes

 Add tomato sauce and tomatoes and stir together

 Pour in vegetable stock, seasonings, beans, and vegetables

 Let simmer for 15- 20 minutes stirring occasionally

 Add quinoa and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

 At this point your meat balls should be done and your chili as well!

 Enjoy!