Friday, April 29, 2011

Light Mexican Quinoa with Tomatoes and Black Beans


I found this recipe on a blog, The Blue House in this post called Protein Packed. I happened to have all the ingredients in my pantry and fridge so decided to whip it up.  It was great and healthy too! This recipe makes a quick and easy lunch to just pull out of the fridge and eat cold.  The flavor meld more as the week goes on.  It's fabulous and will now be one of my staple quinoa dishes. 

Ingredients:

-1 cup quinoa
-2 tsp grated lime zest
-2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
-2 Tbsp butter, melted and cooled
-1 tbsp vegetable oil
-1 tsp sugar
-1 (14 oz) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
-3/4 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved 
-4 scallions, chopped
-1/4 fresh cilantro, chopped



The first step is to prepare your quinoa.  You can just follow the package directions like I did, but mine turned out a little soggy.  I prefer my quinoa light fluffy like couscous.  I found this article called How to Cook Quinoa Perfectly and I will definitely be trying it next time. 

It is recommended to wash the quinoa a few times before cooking.  The best way to do this is by using a mesh strainer or sieve with small holes.  Don't use a normal strainer or you will lose all of your quinoa down the sink! I used a mesh splatter screen over my bowl.  To rinse, put the quinoa in a bowl and cover with water. Using your hands rub the quinoa around and let sit for a few minutes, drain and repeat with fresh water two more times. 



Cook according to package directions or follow the steps in the link above. 



 Meanwhile, melt your butter in the microwave and in a large bowl mix together the butter, oil, sugar, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/4 tsp of pepper.  Whisk until blended. 








Also, drain and rinse your black beans.  Halve your tomatoes and chop your cilantro and green onions









Add to the bowl of dressing, your quinoa, black beans, scallions, tomatoes and cilantro. Mix together and salt and pepper to taste.






Enjoy this "protein" packed dish all week!

1 comment:

Looks good? Made it? Wanna try it? Leave me a Comment...I love them!

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