Delicious One-Pot Mexican Quinoa: Quick and Nutritious Dinner

Looking for a quick and nutritious meal that’s bursting with flavor? This One-Pot Mexican Quinoa is just what you need! Packed with vibrant ingredients like bell peppers, black beans, and corn, it delivers a delightful taste of Mexico in every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just one pot, you can whip up a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Not only is this quinoa dish full of protein and fiber, but it’s also gluten-free and vegan, making it a versatile option for everyone at your table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delicious one-pot wonder!

What Makes This Recipe So Good?

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and only one pot to clean, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, quinoa is a healthy base that complements the colorful vegetables.
• Flavorful: A blend of spices, fresh herbs, and ingredients like lime and cilantro creates a vibrant taste that’s sure to please.
• Versatile: Customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein sources, such as chicken or tofu, to suit your taste.
• Gluten-Free and Vegan: This recipe caters to various dietary preferences, making it a great option for everyone.
• Meal Prep Friendly: It stores well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• One-Pot Wonder: Cooking everything in one pot enhances the flavors and makes clean-up a breeze.
• Kid-Friendly: The colorful ingredients and mild spice level make it appealing to kids and adults alike.

Key Ingredients

• Quinoa: The star of the dish, providing a nutty flavor and a complete protein source.
• Vegetable Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the quinoa.
• Bell Peppers: Fresh and colorful, they add crunch and sweetness.
• Corn: Sweet corn adds a pop of color and a hint of sweetness.
• Onion: Provides a savory base and aromatic flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a rich depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste.
• Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices provide warmth and authentic Mexican flavor.
• Lime Juice: Freshens up the dish and adds a zesty brightness.
• Cilantro: A fresh herb that elevates the flavors and adds a burst of color.

Chefs Helpful Tips

• Rinse Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste.
• Toast the Quinoa: For added flavor, briefly toast the rinsed quinoa in the pot with a bit of oil before adding the broth.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Consider using seasonal produce for the best results.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Experiment with Toppings: Add toppings like avocado, salsa, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and flavor.
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the quinoa sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
• Store Properly: For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu into the dish.
• Double the Recipe: This dish is great for meal prep, so consider making a double batch to enjoy throughout the week.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime on top just before serving for that extra burst of flavor.

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Print Recipe

Delicious One-Pot Mexican Quinoa: Quick and Nutritious Dinner

Author: Courtney Cuisine: Mexican Courses: Dinner, Lunch Recipe Keys: Dairy Free Egg Free Freezer Meals Gluten Free High Protein Nut Free P pescatarian Quick Meals Soy Free Spicy Sugar Free Vegan Vegetarian Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 250

Best Season: Summer

Dietary:

D dairy free G Gluten Free H High Protein P Pescatarian S Sugar Free V vegan V Vegetarian

Description

Looking for a quick and nutritious meal that’s bursting with flavor? This One-Pot Mexican Quinoa is just what you need! Packed with vibrant ingredients like bell peppers, black beans, and corn, it delivers a delightful taste of Mexico in every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just one pot, you can whip up a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 cup Quinoa

• 2 cups Vegetable Broth

• 1 cup Bell Peppers (diced, about 1-2 peppers)

• 15 oz Black Beans (canned, drained, and rinsed, 1 can)

• 1 cup Corn (canned or frozen)

• 1 medium Onion (diced)

• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)

• 1 tsp Cumin

• 1 tsp Chili Powder

• 2 tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)

• ¹⁄₄ cup Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

• 1 tbsp for garnish (for sautéing)

Instructions

1. Rinse the Quinoa

   Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it under cold water for about 1-2 minutes to remove any bitterness.

1. Sauté Vegetables

   In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

1. Toast the Quinoa

   Add the rinsed quinoa to the pot and stir it in with the onions and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to lightly toast the quinoa.

1. Add Broth and Spices

   Pour in the vegetable broth and add the cumin and chili powder. Stir to combine.

2. Incorporate Remaining Ingredients

   Add the diced bell peppers, black beans, and corn to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

1. Bring to a Boil

   Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

1. Simmer

   Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

1. Fluff and Rest

   After cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork.

1. Add Lime Juice and Cilantro

   Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

1. Serve

   Spoon the One-Pot Mexican Quinoa into bowls and garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 250kcal

Calories from Fat 70kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 36g12%

Dietary Fiber 6g24%

Sugars 3g

Protein 8g16%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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