Craving a delicious and nutritious meal that captures the vibrant flavors of the Southwest? Look no further than this Copycat Panera Baja Warm Grain Bowl! Packed with protein-rich quinoa, hearty black beans, and creamy avocado, this bowl is not only a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome delight for your taste buds. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying dish that rivals your favorite café’s offerings. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have you coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare the black beans and corn. In a separate skillet, heat black beans and corn over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and let it rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
- Slice the avocado into thin, even pieces. Cut the lime in half for squeezing.
- Divide the cooked quinoa between two serving bowls, creating an even base.
- Top each bowl with the warm black beans and corn mixture.
- Arrange avocado slices on top of the beans and corn.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over each bowl to add brightness and acidity.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro leaves.
- Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy your Baja-style grain bowl.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural bitter coating, ensuring a pleasant taste.
- Use Vegetable Broth: For an extra flavor boost, use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the quinoa. This simple swap makes a significant difference!
- Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to add other toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or shredded cheese to personalize your Baja bowl to your liking.
- Keep It Warm: Serve the black beans and corn mixture warm over the quinoa for a delightful contrast with the cool avocado.
- Cilantro Substitute: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or even green onions can add a fresh touch without the strong flavor.
- Meal Prep: This bowl is perfect for meal prep! Cook a larger batch of quinoa and store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Don’t skip the lime juice! It adds a refreshing zing that brightens up all the flavors in the bowl.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
