One Pot Mexican Quinoa Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Mexican Quinoa is a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s both easy to make and satisfying. Packed with protein and vibrant spices, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can chili diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen corn niblets
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking and stirring frequently until the onion begins to turn translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, frozen corn, quinoa, vegetable broth, oregano, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer gently for 15 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes before uncovering.
5. Step 5: Fluff the quinoa with a fork, serve, and enjoy your hearty Mexican quinoa dish.

Tips & Variations

• For added protein, stir in some cooked shredded chicken or ground turkey before serving.
• Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels, adjusting seasoning at the end.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
• Swap frozen corn with fresh corn when in season for extra sweetness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the quinoa seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use white or red quinoa instead of regular quinoa?

Yes, you can substitute with white or red quinoa. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the texture and adjust simmering time if needed.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

One Pot Mexican Quinoa Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 543 reviews

This One Pot Mexican Quinoa is a flavorful and nutritious dish combining protein-rich quinoa with black beans, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of traditional Mexican spices. It’s an easy, wholesome meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, made in just one pot for minimal cleanup.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (about 15 oz)
• 1 can chili diced tomatoes (about 14.5 oz)
• 1 cup frozen corn niblets
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking while stirring frequently until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Ingredients & Boil: Add the black beans, chili diced tomatoes, frozen corn, rinsed quinoa, vegetable broth, oregano, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine everything well, then bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the quinoa to cook and absorb the flavors.
4. Rest: Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to stand, still covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This helps finalize the cooking and makes the quinoa fluffy.
5. Fluff and Serve: Remove the lid, fluff the quinoa mixture with a fork, serve warm, and enjoy your hearty Mexican-inspired one pot meal.

Notes

• Rinsing quinoa thoroughly removes natural bitterness.
• You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option.
• Add chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for extra fresh flavor.
• Adjust the chili powder and cumin amounts based on your spice preference.
• This dish can be garnished with avocado slices, shredded cheese, or sour cream if desired.

Keywords: Mexican quinoa, one pot quinoa, vegetarian Mexican recipe, easy quinoa recipe, healthy quinoa dish, black beans quinoa, one pot meals