Description
A vibrant and healthy one-pot Mexican Quinoa dish packed with protein, fiber, and southwest flavors. This easy recipe combines quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices for a delicious vegetarian meal or side that is perfect for gatherings and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 whole onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (chopped)
- ¾ cup dry quinoa (rinsed and drained very well to remove as much liquid as possible)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels
- 15 oz black beans (from can, rinsed and drained well)
- 1 medium tomato (chopped)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- lime wedges (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare Quinoa: Thoroughly rinse the uncooked quinoa using a fine wire mesh strainer and drain it well to remove all excess water for best texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and cook the chopped onion and garlic until tender and fragrant.
- Add Quinoa and Broth: Stir in the rinsed quinoa and pour in just under 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth (between 1 1/3 and 1 ½ cups).
- Season and Simmer: Mix in the ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook Quinoa: Simmer covered for 22 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the broth to be fully absorbed.
- Add Corn and Beans: Stir in the sweet corn kernels and rinsed black beans, cover again, and continue simmering for 5 more minutes.
- Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Remove from heat and gently fold in the chopped cilantro and fresh tomato.
- Serve: Serve warm with freshly squeezed lime juice sprinkled on top to enhance flavors.
Notes
- Rinse and drain quinoa thoroughly before cooking to prevent bitterness and improve texture.
- Use vegetable broth to keep this dish vegetarian or chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- This dish works well as a main course or a hearty side at any gathering.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be reheated easily.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 179 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 744 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg
