Black Bean Quinoa
If you are looking for two great sources of protein, black bean quinoa is it. We are not vegan but do choose to have several meals each week that are meatless. We substitute meat protein with plants such as quinoa and black beans. The best part of quinoa is that it is a complete protein! Meaning you receive all the necessary amino acids from it unlike other plant proteins. As always, use organic products when possible to reduce pesticide/herbicide exposure. We are not overweight, but we are over toxic!
We served this at our Grand Opening of my wellness center this week (June 2014) and it was a huge hit.
I make a similar version with mangoes and black beans so be sure to check it out too.
Ingredients
1 medium sweet onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup quinoa (uncooked), rinsed (red or white)
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Kosher salt or sea salt to taste
1 (4.5 ounce) can diced green chilis
1 (10 ounce) can of diced tomatoes
1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro
1 3/4 cup vegetable broth, low sodium
Directions
In a large skillet saute diced onions until tender about 4 minutes, add garlic and saute one additional minute. Add the remaining ingredients in the order listed above. Cover,bring to a boil, reduce heat to a low boil and cook 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow to sit 5 minutes covered before serving. Fluff quinoa with a large spoon and serve. You can serve warm or at room temperature.
Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed it and any variations you made. Variety is the spice of life!
