QUINOA BLACK BEAN BURRITO BOWLS
Quinoa black bean burrito bowls are a delicious and healthy meal. This recipe uses already cooked and spiced beans for convenience.
Quinoa black bean burrito bowls are a delicious and healthy meal. This recipe uses already cooked and spiced beans for convenience.
- salt to taste
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- sliced avocado
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup quinoa
- corn
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- guacamole
- sour cream or greek yogurt
- pico de gallo or salsa
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 tsp chili powder (mild)
- optional topping ingredients
- grated cheddar or jack cheese
- diced seeded tomatoes
- hot sauce or sriracha
- Carbohydrate 44.259735378962 g
- Cholesterol 0.0008125 mg
- Fat 9.71220047893844 g
- Fiber 7.22978854083394 g
- Protein 9.51112870725897 g
- Saturated Fat 1.26713106040549 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (154g)
- Sodium 885.461632831334 mg
- Sugar 37.0299468381281 g
- Trans Fat 0.887976526162085 g
- Calories 294 calories
Step-by-step
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a mesh strainer or sieve, drain. After 5-10 mins. of draining, place quinoa in a frypan & toast to a golden brown but do not burn.
- Pour quinoa into a saucepan along with 2 cups of water. Bring the quinoa to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot. Let the quinoa simmer for about 20 minutes till it becomes tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Keep a close eye to make sure the quinoa doesn't burn.
- While quinoa is cooking, heat 1 tbsp of oil in another saucepan over medium heat. Pour minced onion into the saucepan and saute for a few minutes till it softens and begins to turn brown. Add the minced garlic to the pot and let it saute for 1-2 minutes longer till aromatic.
- Add the black beans to the pot of onions along with 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp of chopped fresh cilantro, chili powder and cayenne pepper. Bring the beans to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low. Let the beans simmer for 15 minutes till the liquid is mostly evaporated. Stir in 2 tbsp of fresh lime juice. Season with salt to taste.
- When the quinoa is fully cooked, remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Use the fork to mix in 2 tbsp of chopped cilantro and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Season with salt to taste.
- Assemble your burrito bowls. Divide the cilantro lime quinoa between four bowls.
- Top each portion of quinoa with 1/4 cup of shredded lettuce. Top each portion of lettuce with simmered black beans. Top the black beans with your choice of Optional Topping Ingredients (ideas listed above). Serve warm.
A Busy Mom's Go-To: Quinoa Black Bean Burrito Bowls
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and endless loads of laundry, finding time to cook a healthy and satisfying dinner often feels impossible. But I've discovered a secret weapon in my kitchen arsenal: the humble burrito bowl. Specifically, these quinoa black bean burrito bowls. They’re quick to prepare, incredibly versatile, and packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a perfect weeknight meal.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. I often use pre-cooked black beans to save time (a total game changer on those crazy-busy evenings!), and the quinoa cooks up quickly. The real magic, though, is in the toppings. This is where you can get creative and tailor the bowl to your family's preferences. One night, we might go for a fiesta of flavors with pico de gallo, guacamole, and shredded cheese. The next, we might opt for a cooler, fresher vibe with diced tomatoes, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The possibilities are endless!
Why Quinoa? Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids our bodies need but can't produce on their own. It's also a good source of fiber, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, it has a slightly nutty flavor that complements the savory black beans beautifully. It's a nutritional powerhouse that's surprisingly easy to cook – even for a busy mom like me.
Making it Your Own: The best part of this recipe is its customizability. Feel free to experiment with different toppings! Some of our favorites include:
- Roasted sweet potatoes or corn: Add a touch of sweetness and extra nutrients.
- Chopped bell peppers: A burst of color and crunch.
- Salsa or hot sauce: For those who like a little heat.
- Avocado: Creamy and healthy fats.
- Shredded chicken or tofu: Add some protein for a heartier meal.
Beyond Dinner: These burrito bowls are also perfect for lunch or meal prepping. Simply assemble the bowls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. They're just as delicious cold as they are warm, making them a fantastic grab-and-go option for busy days.
These quinoa black bean burrito bowls have become a staple in our household. They’re a healthy, delicious, and versatile meal that even the pickiest eaters in my family love. Give them a try – you won't be disappointed. And remember, even on the busiest of days, you can still put a nutritious and satisfying meal on the table!
Tips for Success:
- Rinse your quinoa: This helps remove saponins, a bitter compound that can affect the taste.
- Don't overcook the quinoa: It should be tender but not mushy.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time: Chop your veggies and measure out your spices in advance to save time on busy weeknights.
- Get the kids involved: Let them help assemble their own bowls – it’s a fun and engaging activity.
These burrito bowls are a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated. With a little planning and some readily available ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family will love. So next time you're short on time but craving a satisfying meal, reach for those pre-cooked beans, grab your quinoa, and let's make some magic in the kitchen!
