Hearty Quinoa Bean Chili for Hormonal Balance
A warming, nutrient-rich chili packed with plant protein and fiber to fits easily into a nourishing week and reduce inflammation.
Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Total
40 min
Makes about
1 serving

Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Jen + Lila
Jen created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthEveryday nourishment
A simple win you can notice for yourself
A clear, satisfying meal can make feeding yourself well feel easier. Notice your energy, fullness and comfort afterward.
Track: energy + comfort
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Total
40 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large pot
Time saver
Prep the vegetables and measure pantry ingredients earlier in the day to shorten cook time.
Do these three things first
- 1Prep cup quinoa (rinsed), medium onion (diced), cloves garlic (minced)
- 2Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 3Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: Heat olive oil over medium heat
- 01
Heat olive oil over medium heat
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
Look for: translucent
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add diced bell peppers and cook for…
Add diced bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Look for: softened
Tap card to mark done - 03
Stir in chili powder
Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
Allow: 1 minute
Tap card to mark done - 04
Add quinoa
Add quinoa, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir well.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Bring to a boil
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes or until quinoa is cooked and chili thickens.
Look for: quinoa is cooked and chili thickens
Tap card to mark done - 06
Season with salt and pepper to taste
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tap card to mark done - 07
Serve hot
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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