Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup red pepper, finely chopped
- 1 fresh tomato, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- A handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, for garnish
Spices and Seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Grains and Legumes
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup black beans
Liquids
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Finely chop the onion, red pepper, and fresh tomato. Mince the garlic cloves to prepare for cooking.
- Sauté Onion and Pepper: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red pepper, cooking until the onion starts to soften and become translucent.
- Add Tomato, Garlic, and Spices: Stir in the chopped tomato, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook on medium heat for a few minutes, allowing the spices to release their aroma and flavors to meld.
- Rinse Quinoa: Thoroughly rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural bitterness and drain well.
- Add Quinoa, Corn, Beans, and Stock: Incorporate the rinsed quinoa, corn, black beans, and vegetable stock into the pan. Mix everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the pan with a lid or tightly with tin foil, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Reduce the heat to low and cook the quinoa for about 15 minutes until tender.
- Rest the Quinoa: Turn off the heat and let the quinoa rest, covered, for an additional five minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Fluff Quinoa: Remove the lid or foil, and use two forks to fluff the quinoa gently, separating the grains.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the quinoa with sliced avocado, freshly chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa is essential to remove its natural bitterness and improve texture.
- You can substitute vegetable stock with water, but stock adds extra flavor.
- For a spicier version, add some chili powder or fresh diced jalapeños during cooking.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep and tastes great served warm or at room temperature.
- If you prefer, black beans can be substituted with pinto beans or kidney beans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian