Looking for a vibrant and nutritious meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare? Look no further than the Quinoa Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl! This colorful dish brings together the nutty flavor of quinoa, the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, and the heartiness of black beans, all drizzled with a hint of olive oil and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, this bowl is not only packed with flavor but also loaded with nutrients. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 large sweet potato, diced
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Dice sweet potato into 1/2-inch cubes, ensuring uniform size for even roasting.
- Toss sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until evenly coated.
- Spread sweet potato cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until edges are golden and crispy.
- While sweet potatoes roast, drain and rinse black beans. Warm them in a small saucepan over medium heat with a pinch of salt.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and divide among 4 serving bowls.
- Top quinoa with roasted sweet potato cubes and warm black beans.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and drizzle with remaining olive oil.
- Serve immediately while ingredients are warm, optionally adding additional salt and pepper to taste.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This step is crucial to removing its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste.
- Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes: For even cooking, cut your sweet potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. This ensures they roast evenly and achieve that crispy texture.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Adjust the salt, pepper, and cumin to your taste preferences for a more personalized flavor profile.
- Warm Your Beans: Heating the black beans not only enhances their flavor but also helps them meld beautifully with the other warm ingredients in the bowl.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of freshness that elevates the dish. Consider adding a squeeze of lime for an extra zesty kick!
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, and assemble when ready to eat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
