Quinoa and black beans make the perfect combination. We love the easy prep of this one-pot meal.
If you’re a quinoa hold-out, but love Mexican food, this dish will convince you to make quinoa a regular part of your dinner menu. Skinny Quinoa with Black Beans is a perfect alternative to your traditional rice and beans recipes. The combination of quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, and spices, like cumin, chili powder, and fresh cilantro, make this delicious dish a family favorite. Plus, this recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free! As superfoods, quinoa and black beans contain the vitamins and minerals you need to help fight cancer, lower cholesterol, and so much more. The benefits are endless. Learn more about the health benefits of quinoa here. To add more flavor, not to mention nutritional power, top this recipe with sliced avocado. Make a little extra and enjoy Skinny Quinoa with Black Beans in a tasty a burrito the next day.
Skinny Quinoa with Black Beans
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 sweet onion or sweet onion, medium, diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3/4 cup quinoa uncooked - rinsed (red or white will work)
- 15 ounces black beans can - low sodium preferred, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes more or less to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- kosher or sea salt to taste
- 4 1/2 ounces diced green chilis can
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes can
- 1/2 cup cilantro freshly chopped
- 1 3/4 cup vegetable broth low sodium
Instructions
- In a large skillet add olive oil, turn to medium-low heat and saute diced onions until tender, about 4 minutes, add garlic and saute one additional minute. Add the remaining ingredients in the order listed above. Cover, bring to a boil, reduce heat to a low boil and cook 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow to sit 5 minutes covered before serving. Fluff quinoa with a large spoon and serve.
Nutrition Information
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Be sure to check out our recipe for Qunioa Protein Bars, another Skinny Ms. favorite.
Can you use water rather than vegetable broth, or is this a quinoa recipe that tastes better with broth? Thank you!!
Krista, Water is fine. The vegetable broth does add a nice taste but I use water in a pinch and the recipe is still delicious. 🙂
A little lemon or lime will really make the flavors pop.
You’re absolutely right, Jana! A little citrus would taste wonderful in this recipe!
How would you adapt this for brown rice instead of quinoa? My grocer didn’t have quinoa and I plan on making this tonight!
Amy, you should be able to cook it the same way! Rice and quinoa take about the same amount of time to cook.
Does the quinoa hold up well? I find when I make quinoa mixed with other stuff in gets all mushy or clumped
Celi, It holds up perfectly. This is one of my favorite quinoa recipes.
I have made this recipe 3 times now! It’s a huge hit in my house. It’s perfect on its own but I like to top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, lime juice, and crushed tortilla chips! Omg! I love it! Thank you for sharing!
Ashley, I so happy you like the recipe. 🙂 Thanks for the feedback.
Delicious! I added ground Turkey (non vegan version) and substituted Beef Broth for the veggie broth. Tons of flavor and a nice hearty, yet healthy meal on a cold, winter day.
Jen, YEAH!!! I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe.