Spring is officially here and although the weather is not here yet for us New Englanders, I am craving lighter dishes. Plus this baby weight is NO joke guys, NO joke!!! Weight does not come off easily for me, especially while nursing/not sleeping so in come the easy healthy meals that everyone in the family will eat.
And since I have been asked for more easy weeknight or make ahead meals I thought I'd start with this easy dish.
I make a version of this every week. Usually swapping out the veggies for whatever we buy that week or have in the cabinet. Think peas, asparagus and topped with goat cheese.... ooohh that may be next weeks dinner.
Ingredients
1 can organic no salt added black beans
8 oz of crushed tomatoes, drained (i love to use the ones with jalapeńos)
1/2 cup roasted corn (love Trader Joes frozen)
1 cup of chopped peppers (use any color combo you'd like)
1 1/2 cups quinoa
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 red onion
1 tbsp of oil of your choice, ours has been coconut lately.
1tbs minced garlic
1 packet sazon Goya
1 tsp chili powder (more or less)
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried cilantro
juice of one lime
*toppings*
I kept it light and did not add cheese to mine but O did and it melts so nicely.
Slice up an avocado,
add a tbsp of salsa and you have yourself a one pot dinner.
I'm also a fan of adding some shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is a MUST have for meal planning), ground turkey or keep it vegetarian with some stir fried tofu for meatless Mondays.
Again, soooo many way to take this.
Recipe
Heat oil in a medium sized pot, medium heat
Add onions (careful not to burn) and cook until clear
Add garlic stirring frequently so you don't burn.
Stir in all seasonings and packet of sazon Goya
Stir well and cook 2-3 minutes
Stir in drained beans and rinsed quinoa and stir until completely mixed in.
Cook for 3 or 4 minutes
Stir in peppers, corn and drained tomatoes
Cover, reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes.
Uncover, fluff + stir in lime juice
Add any toppings before serving.
Allow to cool completely before refrigerating, leave toppings for when you are serving.
It is sooo yummy heated up, so make it ahead for lunches or dinner!
Happy Thursday my loves and let's hope spring shows up soon, because this mama is OVER the cold!
xo
Natalie