Spiced Quinoa with Broccoli and Black Beans

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 can (400g), drained and rinsed canned black beans
• 1, diced red bell pepper
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper

Steps

1. 1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve.
2. 2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed.
3. 3. While the quinoa cooks, steam the broccoli florets for about 5 minutes, until tender but still bright green.
4. 4. In a large frying pan, add the diced red bell pepper and sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
5. 5. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika to the frying pan. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. 6. Stir in the black beans and steamed broccoli. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
7. 7. Once quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the frying pan with the vegetable mixture. Drizzle with lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8. Gently mix everything until well combined. Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.

Notes

• Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste.

Substitutions

• If fresh cilantro is not available, parsley can be used as an alternative.