This one-pan Mexican quinoa dish is healthy, nutritious and so easy to make. In this recipe, the fluffy quinoa is cooked together with 3 different types of beans all soaked up in a delicious spicy and tangy gravy.
Health benefits of Quinoa
Quinoa is a complete protein (it is one of the very few foods that have all the amino acids) and gluten-free along with high levels of fiber, calcium, antioxidants, and a host of other nutrients. Quinoa helps in maintaining gut health, heart health, and aids healthy weight loss. Did you know that quinoa is actually not a grain but a seed related to the spinach family? So it is not a surprise that it is so nutritious.
The super “grain” quinoa can be made even more nutritious by adding beans and spices. This spicy quinoa dish has a lot of protein from the quinoa and3 different varieties of beans and is vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free. And full of mouth-watering flavors. Vegans need to eat at least 2 different types of legumes (beans/ lentils) to satisfy their daily recommended protein intake, says my favorite dietician, Pooja Makhija in her book “Eat. delete.”
If you want to enjoy more of the quinoa goodness, you can also try Lemon-garlic quinoa with kidney beans or Creamy mushroom quinoa.
Ingredients you will need for the one pan quinoa
This quinoa recipe with a Mexican twist uses 3 different types of beans: red beans, mung beans and soybeans. The red beans can be replaced with black beans. Here I have used dried beans which have to be soaked for at least a couple of hours. Feel free to use canned beans instead.
Frozen soybeans are so easy to cook and absorbs the flavors amazingly well.
Other ingredients are your usual pantry ingredients and spices like onions, garlic, pureed tomatoes, chili powder and ground cumin. For extra flavor and nutrition, you can add vegetables like carrots, cauliflower or beans.
How to make the one-pan Mexican quinoa
You just need a deep pan or skillet to cook everything in. Saute the onions, garlic, spices and tomato puree in oil. Add stock and when it boils, add quinoa and the soaked beans. Cook on low flame for 20 to 25 minutes until the quinoa and beans are cooked. Garnish with parsley.
Secret to making the best 3 bean Mexican quinoa
The humble tomato puree makes all the difference between awesome Mexican quinoa and a regular one. It gives a sweet, tangy flavor that complements the spices. The tomato puree has to be cooked well until the gravy becomes thick and saucy before adding water and quinoa.
What to serve 3 bean spicy quinoa with
As a side dish, it pairs well with
- Garlic butter salmon
- Angel hair pasta with shrimps
- Baked chicken drumsticks
- Baked fish with lemon mustard sauce
For a vegan meal, pair it with salads
Have you tried similar recipes with quinoa? Would you like any variations? I would love to hear from you. Please leave your comments below:
Wow! Great recipe and beautiful presentation!!
Thank you!