Get ready to elevate your meal game with Bert's Forty Carat Quinoa! This vibrant, protein-packed dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, this vegetarian delight combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa with fresh vegetables and zesty lime, creating a dish that's as nutritious as it is delicious. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll wonder how something so simple can be so satisfying. Dive into this recipe and discover why Bert's Forty Carat Quinoa is the must-try dish of the season!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water to remove any bitter saponin coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is completely absorbed and quinoa is tender.
- While quinoa is cooking, dice the bell pepper into small, uniform cubes.
- Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
- Once quinoa is cooked, remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow it to fluff up.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced bell pepper, corn, black beans, and diced avocado.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or slightly chilled as a nutritious and colorful quinoa salad.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don't skip the rinsing step! Thoroughly rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter flavor if not washed away.
- Use Vegetable Broth: For an extra depth of flavor, opt for vegetable broth instead of water when cooking quinoa. This simple swap enhances the overall taste of your dish.
- Let it Fluff: After cooking, allow the quinoa to sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This helps achieve that light, fluffy texture that makes quinoa so appealing.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! Add diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even some chopped cilantro for a fresh twist.
- Serve Chilled: For a refreshing summer salad, chill the quinoa salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. The flavors meld beautifully when given some time to rest.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Store it in airtight containers for up to 4 days, and enjoy it as a quick lunch or dinner option throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
