If you’re looking for a meal that’s not just delicious but also packed with nutrients, you’ve landed in the right place! This *one pan Mexican quinoa* is a vibrant, hearty dish that brings all those fantastic Mexican flavors together without the fuss of multiple pots. I remember the first time I made this—I was in a rush, craving something healthy but didn’t want to spend my evening scrubbing pots and pans. Wow, was I pleasantly surprised! It turned out not only quick and easy but also so satisfying that my whole family started asking for it weekly. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients for this *one pan Mexican quinoa* is a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup quinoa: Rinse it well under cold water to remove any bitterness.
- 2 cups vegetable broth: This will add fantastic flavor to the quinoa.
- 1 can black beans: Make sure to drain and rinse them to get rid of excess sodium.
- 1 cup corn: You can use frozen or fresh—both work great!
- 1 bell pepper: Diced—any color will do, but I love the sweetness of red or yellow.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: This adds moisture and tang to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: For that warm, spicy kick!
- 1 teaspoon cumin: It brings an earthy flavor that’s perfect with the other ingredients.
- Salt to taste: Don’t forget to season to your liking!
- 1 avocado: Diced, for topping—because who doesn’t love avocado?
- Fresh cilantro: For garnish, to brighten up the dish!
How to Prepare *One Pan Mexican Quinoa*
Making this *one pan Mexican quinoa* is super simple, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a colorful, nutritious meal on the table in no time. Make sure to keep an eye on the pot while it simmers, as this dish likes to stick a little, but don’t worry—I’ve got your back!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This step helps remove any bitter coating called saponin. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- In a large pan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, add in the black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, and can of diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything well.
- Now, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid is absorbed.
- Once done, remove from heat and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Top with diced avocado and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to *one pan Mexican quinoa*, you get a nutritious meal that won’t weigh you down! Each serving is estimated to have around 250 calories, making it a great option for a healthy dinner. You’ll also get about 10 grams of protein to keep you feeling full, plus 8 grams of fiber to support digestion. The dish has 6 grams of fat, with just 1 gram being saturated fat. And, it’s low in sugar—only 2 grams per serving! This meal is a delightful way to nourish your body while enjoying fantastic flavors. Remember, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust as needed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—dinner is ready in just 30 minutes!
- One-pan cleanup means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying!
- Flavor-packed with a delicious mix of spices and fresh ingredients.
- Nutritious and satisfying, perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.
- Customizable to suit your taste—add your favorite veggies or toppings!
Tips for Success
To make your *one pan Mexican quinoa* even better, here are some of my top tips! First off, don’t skip rinsing the quinoa; it really helps with that bitter taste. If you want to amp up the flavor, consider sautéing the bell pepper in a bit of olive oil before adding the other ingredients—this adds a lovely depth! Also, feel free to swap in different veggies like zucchini or spinach based on what you have on hand. And if you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top just before serving for a creamy finish! Lastly, keep an eye on the simmering quinoa; too much heat can lead to sticking, but a gentle simmer works wonders!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this *one pan Mexican quinoa*! For a cheesy twist, sprinkle in some shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper jack just before serving. You can also toss in different veggies such as diced zucchini, spinach, or even some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick! Want to make it heartier? Add some cooked chicken or ground turkey. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of your *one pan Mexican quinoa* can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just let it cool completely before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave for a quick meal—just add a splash of water to keep it moist! You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. It’s so easy, and just as delicious the next day!
FAQ Section
Can I make this *one pan Mexican quinoa* gluten-free?
Absolutely! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this dish a perfect option for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check your vegetable broth to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
How long does it take to cook?
From start to finish, this meal takes about 30 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight!
Can I add meat to this dish?
Definitely! You can add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or even shrimp for added protein. Just mix it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
What if I don’t have black beans?
No worries! You can substitute with pinto beans or even chickpeas; they’ll still pack a punch of flavor and protein.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores beautifully in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week.
One Pan Mexican Quinoa: 5 Steps to Deliciousness
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A nutritious one pan dish combining quinoa and Mexican flavors.
Składniki
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1 avocado, diced (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instrukcje
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a large pan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth.
- Add black beans, corn, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes until quinoa is cooked.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and serve topped with avocado and cilantro.
Uwagi
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Can add cheese if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Mexican
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 6g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 1g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 40g
- Włókno: 8g
- Białko: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Słowa kluczowe: one pan mexican quinoa, quinoa recipes, healthy dinner
