If you haven’t tried quinoa, or if you have and didn’t care for it, give this recipe a try. I found this dish on pinchofyum.com. While eating this dish, it’s hard to believe you are eating something healthy, because it is SO good! We enjoyed this as a side dish and also with chips, both being delicious. I added half the cayenne pepper and the jalapeno and didn’t feel any heat, but feel free to leave them out. Enjoy!
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, minced
2 jalapenos, seeds and ribs removed, minced
1 Tbsp. oil
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/4 C. chicken stock
2 C. cooked quinoa
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
4 bell pepper, diced (any color)
1 1/4 C. shredded Mexican cheese(or your favorite)
diced green onions
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onion, and jalapeno, sauteing for 4 minutes and stirring occasionally. Stir in broth and black beans. Bring mixture to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Mash beans to desired consistency. The mixture should be thick, not watery. If you still have a lot of moisture, let it cook out by keeping it on the heat for another few minutes. Taste and season with salt.
In a dry nonstick skillet over medium high heat, toss and toast the cooked quinoa with the cayenne, chili powder, cumin and salt for 1-2 minutes. Taste and season with salt. Set aside.
In the same dry nonstick skillet over medium high heat, place the diced peppers and do not stir.This allows the peppers to get a brown roasted look on the outside. Wait for 2-3 minutes before stirring, then let them “roast” for another few minutes before removing from the heat.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spoon black bean mixture into a baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with quinoa, bell peppers, and cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the top layer of cheese is golden and bubbly. Sprinkle with green onions and let cool for at least 10 minutes(otherwise it will be too runny). Serve with sour cream, tortilla chips, or eat it plain.