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    Home » Recipes » Gluten Free

    Quinoa Black Bean Burrito Bowls

    Published: Jul 24, 2013 by Ashley

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    This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

    A few weeks ago, I cooked way more quinoa than we needed for dinner so that I could stash some in the freezer for future use on a busy day. Well, I had one doozy of a day, and I was glad to have it already cooked and waiting to be reheated. I pinned this burrito bowl recipe on Pinterest a while back, and figured it was just the dish to use the pre-made quinoa. I skipped the first step and just defrosted it in the microwave, heated it and then stirred in the lime juice, cilantro and some salt. Perfecto! The rest of the prep was pretty easy. The black beans had a lot of flavor, and I made a nice Raw Sweet Corn and Tomato Salsa to go on top. I also sprinkled on a Mexican cheese blend, tossed a few lime wedges on top, a few dashes of hot sauce, some chopped romaine, a dollop of sour cream and some chunks of avocado. It was wonderful! Lots of great Mexican flavor, and nice and healthy. Depending on the toppings you choose, this can be a vegan meal, too. It was a nice and colorful way to end an otherwise dreary day.

    Quinoa Black Bean Burrito Bowls

    Quinoa Black Bean Burrito Bowls
    The Shiksa in the Kitchen

    Servings: 4
    Kosher Key: Pareve or Dairy

    1 cup quinoa
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    ¼ cup minced onion
    1 clove garlic, minced
    2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained
    ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
    ¼ teaspoon chili powder (mild)
    Pinch of cayenne pepper (spicy)
    ¼ cup fresh lime juice
    1 cup shredded lettuce
    Salt

    OPTIONAL TOPPING INGREDIENTS:
    Grated cheddar or jack cheese
    Sour cream or Greek yogurt
    Pico de gallo or salsa
    Diced seeded tomatoes
    Hot sauce or sriracha
    Sliced avocado
    Guacamole
    Corn

    Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a mesh strainer or sieve, drain. Pour quinoa into a saucepan along with 2 cups of water. Bring the quinoa to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot. Let the quinoa simmer for about 20 minutes till it becomes tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Keep a close eye to make sure the quinoa doesn't burn.

    While quinoa is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in another saucepan over medium heat. Pour minced onion into the saucepan and saute for a few minutes till it softens and begins to turn brown. Add the minced garlic to the pot and let it saute for 1-2 minutes longer till aromatic.

    Add the black beans to the pot of onions along with ½ cup water, 2 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro, chili powder and cayenne pepper. Bring the beans to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low. Let the beans simmer for 15 minutes till the liquid is mostly evaporated. Stir in 2 tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Season with salt to taste.

    When the quinoa is fully cooked, remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Use the fork to mix in 2 tablespoon of chopped cilantro and 2 tablespoon fresh lime juice. Season with salt to taste.

    Assemble your burrito bowls. Divide the cilantro lime quinoa between four bowls.Top each portion of quinoa with ¼ cup of shredded lettuce. Top each portion of lettuce with simmered black beans. Top the black beans with your choice of Optional Topping Ingredients (ideas listed above). Serve warm.

    Big Flavors Rating: 4 Stars

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah | The Sugar Hit

      July 25, 2013 at 10:08 pm

      This is exactly the kind of quick, healthy, tasty cooking that I love to eat during the week. It's delicious but light and you can feel good about eating it!

      Reply
    2. Ashley Bee (Quarter Life Crisis Cuisine)

      July 26, 2013 at 12:54 pm

      I need to find a way to LIKE quiona. It's good for you, I knowww, but I still cannot quite get there. Maybe pretending it's a taco bowl would help!

      Reply
    3. Joanne

      July 28, 2013 at 4:19 pm

      Burrito bowls always seriously sound good to me. And I love that this is so easy to throw together!

      Reply
    4. Justin

      August 12, 2013 at 12:04 am

      If you throw some cayenne pepper and chili powder into the water while you are cooking quinoa, it makes it muuuuuch better! I haven't tried other spices but I bet garlic and coriander could be delicious if you don't like heat.

      Reply
      • Ashley

        August 12, 2013 at 9:18 am

        This sound great! Thanks for the tip 🙂

        Reply

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