Description
A flavorful and healthy one-skillet Mexican quinoa dish packed with black beans, bell peppers, and aromatic spices. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal, featuring a delightful blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika cooked to perfection in a single pan.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 bell peppers, cored and finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Spices
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (more to taste)
Main Ingredients
- ¾ cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces tomato sauce (no salt added; alternatively 7 oz tomato paste with ½ cup water)
- 1⅓ cups filtered water
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Spices: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Then add the chopped bell peppers, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine and continue cooking for about 5 minutes to soften the vegetables and release the flavors.
- Add Beans, Quinoa, and Liquids: To the same skillet, add the drained and rinsed black beans, rinsed quinoa, tomato sauce, salt, and filtered water. Stir everything together to combine thoroughly. Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Simmer Covered: Once boiling, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring intermittently, until the quinoa is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Serve: When cooked, remove from heat and serve the quinoa warm. Garnish with fresh avocado or guacamole, chopped fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips if desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Be sure to rinse quinoa well before cooking to remove its natural bitterness.
- You can substitute tomato sauce with tomato paste diluted with water for a richer tomato flavor.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your tomato sauce or beans.
- Serve with fresh garnishes like avocado, cilantro, or lime wedges for added freshness.
- This dish stores well and can be reheated for quick meals throughout the week.