black bean avocado quinoa

A few days before the big move, I was frantically trying to eat the food that we had in our fridge and I happened to find a tomato, a green bell pepper, an avocado, and an onion.  Fortunately, I had the foresight to keep one pot and one pan left unpacked...just in case.  After searching the cupboards and pantry, I found blacks beans and quinoa....hoooray!  A meal!  If you haven't discovered quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah), then you must try it now.  You can use it a million different ways for a million different flavors!  It is also one of the best grains you can put in your body.  What's not to love about quinoa?

Black Bean Avocado Quinoa

Ingredients

1 cup washed quinoa

1 cup low fat/low sodium chicken broth(or vegetable broth)

1 cup water

1 medium tomato (chopped & seeded)

1 green bell pepper (chopped & seeded)

3/4 medium white onion (chopped)

1 medium avocado (cubed)

1 can low sodium black beans

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 lime

1 dollop low fat sour cream (optional)

Directions

Bring the cup of water and cup of chicken broth to a boil in a medium sized pot and then add the washed quinoa.  You want to make sure you wash the quinoa because it can have a bitter taste to it if left unwashed.  Leave uncovered and simmer for 20 minutes, or until all of the liquid has been absorbed.  Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

While you're simmering the quinoa, heat up the olive oil in a pan and add the onion and green pepper, stirring until the onions are translucent.  In a small bowl, stir the spices together and add to the pan, along with the tomatoes.  Stir for a few minutes.

Drain and wash the black beans until the water runs clear and then toss those into the pan.  Stir them in for about 8 minutes or until heated through.  Squeeze the juice from the lime over the black bean mixture for a refreshing hint of citrus.

Then grab a bowl and scoop some quinoa and black bean mixture, throw in some slices of avocado, put a dollop of sour cream if you so wish and enjoy :)