Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, filling meal that’s both vegan and gluten-free, then you’re in for a real treat with this quinoa and black bean dish. Trust me, it’s a game-changer! I love how this recipe not only packs a punch in flavor but is also super easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. The colorful veggies add such a beautiful pop to the plate, and the combination of spices gives it that perfect kick without being overwhelming. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying and nourishing—perfect for everyone at the table, whether they’re vegan or not! So, grab your pots and pans, and let’s dive into this delicious vegan dinner recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed under cold water
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, either frozen or fresh
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, rinse that quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps remove any bitterness and makes it taste oh-so-good!
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll want to check it around the 12-minute mark to see how it’s doing. The quinoa should absorb all the broth and be fluffy when it’s done.
- While the quinoa cooks, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt. Mix it all up until everything is well combined.
- Once your quinoa is cooked and fluffy, add it directly into that colorful veggie mixture. Stir gently to combine everything—oh, the aroma is fantastic!
- Now, it’s time for the grand finale! Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving. This adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh flavor that you’ll absolutely adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze after dinner!
- Packed with protein and fiber, this dish will keep you full and satisfied.
- Bright, colorful ingredients make it as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Easily customizable—swap in your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own!
- Perfect for meal prep; it stores well and tastes great the next day!
- Gluten-free and vegan, it’s suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
- Quick to make—ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
Tips for Success
- Rinse your quinoa thoroughly! This step is crucial to remove that bitter coating called saponin. Trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor.
- Don’t skip the simmering time. Letting the quinoa absorb all that broth is key to getting it fluffy. If it’s still crunchy after 15 minutes, just add a splash more broth and keep it covered for a few more minutes.
- Feel free to taste as you go! Adjust the spices and salt to your liking. Some like it spicier, while others prefer a milder flavor. You’re the chef here!
- For a little extra flavor, try toasting the quinoa in the pot for a few minutes before adding the broth. It’ll give your dish a nutty depth that’s simply divine.
- Mix in some lime juice just before serving for an added zing! It brightens up the whole dish and complements the beans and corn beautifully.
- If you want to make this dish even heartier, consider adding some diced avocado or a dollop of guacamole on top. Yum!
Variations
- Veggie Delight: Swap out the red bell pepper for zucchini, chopped spinach, or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile!
- Spice it Up: Add some cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños if you like a kick! Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving for an aromatic touch that brightens the dish!
- Protein Boost: Toss in some diced tofu or tempeh for an extra protein punch. You can sauté them with some soy sauce beforehand for added flavor.
- Mexican Twist: Stir in some taco seasoning instead of cumin and chili powder, and top with avocado slices for a fun twist!
- Dirty Rice Style: For a heartier meal, replace half of the quinoa with brown rice or wild rice for a nutty flavor and texture contrast.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this delicious vegan dinner recipe is super easy! Just place any uneaten quinoa and black bean mixture in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days, so you can enjoy the flavors all over again! I love making a big batch of this on meal prep days, and it always tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
When you’re ready to reheat, there are a couple of methods you can use. If you have time, I recommend reheating it on the stovetop. Just add a splash of vegetable broth or a bit of water to the pan to prevent it from drying out, and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This keeps it nice and fluffy!
If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions. Just place your serving in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed to your liking. Easy-peasy!
And remember, if you want to enjoy it cold, it makes a fantastic salad topping or a quick lunch straight from the fridge. It’s versatile, tasty, and oh-so-satisfying!
Nutritional Information
This delicious quinoa and black bean dish packs a nutritious punch! Below are the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But hey, knowing you’re fueling your body with wholesome ingredients is what really counts! Enjoy your meal with peace of mind knowing it’s both delicious and nourishing.
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This quinoa and black bean dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember that the flavors will meld and deepen over time, making it even more delicious!
What can I substitute for quinoa?
If quinoa isn’t your thing, you can use bulgur, millet, or even brown rice as a substitute. Just keep in mind that cooking times and liquid ratios may vary slightly, so be sure to check the package instructions!
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, definitely! This vegan dinner recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Just store individual portions in airtight containers, and you’ll have quick, nutritious meals ready to go throughout the week.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
For this recipe, I recommend using canned black beans for convenience. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well to reduce the sodium content. It saves time and still gives you that hearty texture!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, you can easily amp up the spice! Add some cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or even a splash of hot sauce to the mix. Just start with a little and adjust to your taste. Enjoy the kick!
Vegan Dinner Recipes Gluten Free: 7 Bold Flavor Combos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious vegan dinner recipe that is also gluten free.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is cooked.
- In a large bowl, mix black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
- Add cooked quinoa to the mixture and stir well.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- This recipe is easily customizable with your favorite vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan dinner recipes gluten free
