Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Quinoa with Black Beans, Corn & Chipotle recipe! Imagine a dish that's not just a meal, but a flavor explosion that combines the protein-packed punch of quinoa, the smoky heat of chipotle, and the fresh crunch of corn and black beans. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or just looking to impress your dinner guests, this Mexican-inspired recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water to remove its natural bitter coating called saponin.
- In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare other ingredients: drain and rinse black beans, mince the chipotle pepper finely, and measure out corn kernels.
- Once quinoa is cooked, remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes to allow it to fluff up.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork, then gently fold in black beans, corn, minced chipotle pepper, and cumin. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the quinoa mixture to a serving dish and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro leaves.
- Serve warm as a main dish or side, and optionally add a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness.
Tips
- Rinsing is crucial! Always wash quinoa thoroughly to remove the bitter saponin coating that can make your dish taste soapy.
- Use a 2:1 liquid to quinoa ratio for perfectly fluffy results every time.
- Let the quinoa rest after cooking - this helps it absorb remaining moisture and become light and fluffy.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the quinoa in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding liquid to enhance its nutty taste.
- The chipotle pepper adds serious heat, so start with half if you're sensitive to spice and adjust to taste.
- Fresh cilantro is a game-changer - don't skip it! It adds a bright, fresh note to the entire dish.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile - try adding diced bell peppers or switching up the protein with some grilled chicken for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
