Are you craving a quick, nutritious, and mind-blowingly delicious meal that transports your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico? Look no further! This One-Pot Mexican Spiced Veggie Quinoa is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero. Packed with protein, bursting with bold spices, and requiring minimal cleanup, this recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that's as easy to make as it is Instagram-worthy!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Fresh lime for serving
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, combine rinsed quinoa, vegetable broth, chili powder, and cumin. Stir to distribute spices evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the quinoa for approximately 15 minutes, or until liquid is almost completely absorbed and quinoa appears fluffy.
- Add diced bell pepper, black beans, and corn to the quinoa. Stir gently to combine and distribute ingredients evenly.
- Cover and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing vegetables to heat through and flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 2-3 minutes to allow quinoa to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish just before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Serve hot, garnishing with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make it taste bitter.
- Spice Precision: Use fresh, high-quality spices like chili powder and cumin to maximize flavor intensity.
- Liquid Ratio Matters: Stick to the 1:2 quinoa to liquid ratio for perfectly fluffy quinoa every time.
- Don't Peek Too Much: Keep the lid on while cooking to trap steam and ensure even cooking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the quinoa to sit for a few minutes after cooking to absorb any remaining moisture and become perfectly tender.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime to add extra brightness.
- Make It Your Own: Easily make this dish vegan, gluten-free, and adaptable to your dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
