Description
A hearty and nutritious vegetarian dish featuring fluffy quinoa and protein-packed black beans, sautéed with vibrant vegetables and seasoned with chili powder and fresh cilantro. Perfect as a flavorful main course or a satisfying side.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium sweet red pepper, finely chopped
- 1 celery rib, finely chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro, divided
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Liquids
- 2 cups vegetable stock
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion, sweet red pepper, celery, and the chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Add stock and corn: Stir in the vegetable stock and frozen corn. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine the flavors and begin cooking the quinoa.
- Cook quinoa: Stir in the rinsed quinoa. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed and quinoa is tender.
- Add beans and cilantro: Add the rinsed and drained black beans along with 1/3 cup of the minced fresh cilantro. Heat through, stirring occasionally to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of minced fresh cilantro on top just before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can taste bitter.
- Use low-sodium vegetable stock if you want to control the salt content.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy chili powder.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Substitute canola oil with olive oil for a different flavor profile.
- For added protein, top with avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
