Spicy Quinoa & Black Bean Fiesta
Elevate your meal with this vibrant Spicy Quinoa & Black Bean Fiesta! This dish is not only a powerhouse of nutrients but also bursts with flavors that tantalize your taste buds. The fluffy quinoa, hearty black beans, and sweet corn are perfectly spiced with cumin and cayenne, making it a delicious choice for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Topped with fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, and juicy tomatoes, it's a colorful and nutritious dish that's easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends. Perfect for those looking for a low-cholesterol option, this recipe is a celebration of wholesome ingredients.
10
Servings
182
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
1 teaspoon (for sautéing)
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (peeled and chopped)
uncooked quinoa
3/4 cup (rinsed)
chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (low-sodium preferred)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
frozen corn kernels
1 cup (no need to thaw)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped)
lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
tomatoes
1 (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the uncooked quinoa and toast for 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
4
Pour in the chicken broth and add ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the quinoa absorbs all the liquid.
6
Add the frozen corn to the saucepan and stir gently. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the corn is heated through.
7
Fold in the rinsed and drained black beans, chopped fresh cilantro, and lime juice. Stir until combined and heated through.
8
Remove from heat and serve topped with fresh chopped tomatoes for a vibrant finish.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
31g
Carbs
7g
Protein
6g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Quinoa & Black Bean Fiesta?
It is a vibrant, nutrient-dense dish featuring fluffy quinoa, hearty black beans, and sweet corn seasoned with cumin and cayenne pepper.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 10 servings.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 182 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this dish is tagged as vegetarian.
Is the Spicy Quinoa & Black Bean Fiesta gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 7 grams of protein per serving.
Is this dish considered low in fat?
Yes, it contains only 2 grams of fat per serving.
How much fiber does this recipe provide?
This recipe is a good source of fiber, providing 6 grams per serving.
Is this a low-cholesterol meal option?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a low-cholesterol recipe.
What spices are used for the spicy flavor?
The dish is seasoned with ground cumin and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
How much quinoa is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of uncooked, rinsed quinoa.
Do I need to thaw the corn before cooking?
No, you can use 1 cup of frozen corn kernels directly without thawing.
What type of broth is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, with low-sodium preferred.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for meal prep, lunch, or dinner.
How long does it take to cook the quinoa?
The quinoa needs to simmer for 20 minutes to absorb the liquid, followed by 5 minutes with the corn.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
How do I prepare the black beans?
You should use one 15-ounce can of black beans that has been rinsed and drained.
When do I add the lime juice?
Lime juice is folded in at the end along with the black beans and cilantro.
What is the final topping for this dish?
The dish is served topped with fresh chopped tomatoes.
Why is the quinoa toasted?
Toasting the quinoa for 2 minutes allows it to absorb the flavors of the sautéed onion and garlic.
How much lime juice is needed?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice.
How much carbohydrate content is in each serving?
Each serving contains 31 grams of carbohydrates.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and lightly browned.
Is this recipe vegan friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as vegan friendly, though users should ensure they use vegetable broth if strictly vegan.
How much fresh cilantro is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro.
Is salt and pepper included in the measurements?
Salt and pepper are added to taste according to the recipe instructions.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the preparation for the onion?
One onion should be chopped before being sautéed with the garlic.