Are you ready to transform your weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure that's both nutritious and mind-blowingly delicious? This Mexican-inspired Quinoa with Black Beans recipe is about to become your new obsession! Packed with protein, bursting with vibrant flavors, and incredibly easy to make, this dish will transport your taste buds to a sunny Mexican kitchen while keeping your health goals perfectly on track.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water to remove any bitter saponin coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is completely absorbed and quinoa is tender.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare the spices by mixing cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and let it rest for 5 minutes to absorb remaining moisture.
- In a large skillet, add the rinsed black beans and corn. Sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over the beans and corn.
- Gently stir the beans and corn over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until they are heated through and well-seasoned.
- Fold the spiced black beans and corn into the cooked quinoa, mixing gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve hot in individual bowls, garnishing with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Tips
- Quinoa Rinsing is Crucial: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make your dish taste bitter. Use a fine-mesh strainer and cold running water.
- Liquid Ratio Matters: Use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to liquid (in this case, vegetable broth) for perfectly fluffy quinoa every time.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, allow quinoa to sit covered for 5 minutes. This helps it absorb remaining moisture and become light and fluffy.
- Spice Customization: Feel free to adjust spice levels. Add more chili powder for heat or include smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Fresh Lime is Key: Don't skip the lime wedges! The citrus brightness cuts through the dish's richness and adds a fresh, zesty finish.
- Make It Your Own: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try adding diced bell peppers, fresh cilantro, or even crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor dimensions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
