Quinoa Black Bean Burrito Bowls

Easy, limey, cilantro and protein-packed burrito bowl. This recipe is gluten-free and vegetarian. It takes 35 minutes to make and serves 4.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup quinoa (On a budget? Swap out quinoa for an equal amount of rice and cook according to package instructions)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup onion minced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 30 oz cooked black beans or 2 cans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• 1/4 tsp chili powder mild
• Pinch cayenne pepper spicy
• 1/4 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

Method

• 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 tbsp 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 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp 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 tbsp 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 tbsp of chopped cilantro and 2 tbsp 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 1/4 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.
  

Nutrition Facts, per serving: 480 calories, 7g fat, 80g carbohydrates, 25g protein.