Recipe: Cilantro-Lime Quinoa with Black Beans & Kale

Whether you're new to quinoa or a long-time fan of its unique flavor, this versatile grain makes a great addition to any meal. It's packed with protein and as easy to cook as rice, so there's no reason not to try it out! This delicious recipe will help get you started.

Cilantro-Lime Quinoa With Black Beans & Kale
serves 4

Ingredients
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups water or vegetable broth

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 or 2 small hot chilis, seeded & minced
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped red pepper
2 15oz. cans black beans, drained (reserve liquid)
3 cups fresh kale, chopped
1 cup fresh tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 tsp dried cilantro
1/2 tsp ground cumin
lime juice to taste
black pepper to taste

Directions

1) Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and place it in a pot with the water or broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

2) While the quinoa is cooking, heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and chilis and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the onions and pepper, cover and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.

3) Add the beans, cilantro, cumin, and lime juice and pepper to taste. Add as much of the reserved bean liquid as you wish to make the whole thing moist, but not too watery. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the quinoa is done.

4) Once the quinoa is cooked, uncover the bean mixture and add the kale. Cook until just wilted, then stir in the tomatoes. Add the cooked quinoa and stir until everything is well combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot. Drizzle with tamari, if desired.

How saucy and seasoned to make this is largely up to personal preference, so play around with it to find the flavor you like best!