Description
One Pot Mexican Quinoa is a vibrant, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish combining wholesome quinoa with colorful vegetables, beans, and authentic Mexican flavors. This hearty recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a delicious and satisfying meal with a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and spices.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 small sweet potato, peeled and chopped into 1/2" chunks
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 small bell peppers (1 red and 1 yellow), seeded and chopped
- 1.5 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 14.5 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with chilies (or your favorite variety)
- 15 ounces black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock (or water)
- 1 lime, juiced (plus more for serving)
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro (plus more for serving)
- Avocado, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped sweet potato to the skillet and sauté for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and chopped bell peppers, cooking for 2 more minutes. Sprinkle the homemade taco seasoning on top and cook for 30 seconds, stirring to combine the spices evenly.
- Add Quinoa and Liquids: Stir in the rinsed quinoa, fire roasted diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with chilies, black beans, and vegetable stock (or water). Mix everything thoroughly.
- Cook the Quinoa: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.
- Add Lime and Cilantro: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lime juice and fresh chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the Mexican quinoa hot with optional garnishes such as extra lime wedges and sliced avocado for added creaminess and flavor. Enjoy your healthy and flavorful meal!
Notes
- Be sure to rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its natural bitter coating (saponin).
- You can substitute vegetable stock with water for a lighter flavor.
- Homemade taco seasoning can be replaced with store-bought if preferred.
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken or tofu to the dish.
- Adjust spice levels by adding jalapeños or hot sauce if desired.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and make great meal prep options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
