Looking for a vibrant and nutritious meal that bursts with flavor? Dive into the delicious world of our Southwestern Quinoa Bowl with Black Beans and Lime Crema! This delightful dish combines the heartiness of quinoa with the zesty kick of lime and the creaminess of Greek yogurt, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to impress and nourish. Ready to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your meal prep game? Let's get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Southwestern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water to remove any bitter saponins.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the red bell pepper into small, uniform cubes and set aside.
- Drain and rinse the black beans, ensuring they are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the bowl.
- In a small bowl, prepare the lime crema by mixing Greek yogurt with fresh lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and let stand covered for 5 minutes to ensure perfect texture.
- In a large skillet, warm the corn and black beans over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble the bowls by dividing quinoa as a base, then top with warm black beans, corn, and diced red bell pepper.
- Garnish each bowl with sliced avocado and a generous drizzle of lime crema.
- Serve immediately while ingredients are warm, with additional lime wedges on the side if desired.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitter saponins. This simple step ensures a delightful flavor in your dish.
- Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: After cooking, let the quinoa sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This helps achieve a light and fluffy texture that makes the bowl more enjoyable.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even roasted sweet potatoes for an extra flavor boost and nutrition.
- Make It Vegan: Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative, like cashew cream or coconut yogurt, to make this dish completely vegan while still keeping that creamy texture.
- Add Extra Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This is a great way to customize the bowl to your dietary preferences.
- Serve with Lime Wedges: Providing extra lime wedges on the side allows everyone to add their desired level of zestiness to their bowls, enhancing the overall experience.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Just keep the lime crema separate until you're ready to serve!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg
