Recipe: Southwest Quinoa Bowl

Our southwest quinoa bowl highlights the boldness of southwestern flavors, a blend of culinary influences from Mexican, Native American, and Spanish cuisines.  Seasonings typically include chili powder, paprika, garlic, cumin, oregano, and cayenne. Fresh peppers are also a traditional ingredient in these cuisines, much like the poblanos used in this dish. You can customize the spices in this dish to your flavor and spice-level preference!

The quinoa in this dish is often referred to as a pseudo-grain (it’s technically a seed!), given its similar use in recipes and high fiber content. One way it differs nutritionally is that quinoa provides 8 grams of protein per serving, which is much higher than most grains. Pairing quinoa with beans provides ample amounts of plant protein as well as fiber, making this dish as hearty and satisfying as it is flavorful.

Southwest Quinoa Bowl

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 2 poblano peppers
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced (or 3-4 tsp jarred minced garlic)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp chili powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt plus more to taste
• 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper plus more to taste
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 8 oz can tomato sauce plus more to taste
• 1 C water plus more as needed
• 1 C uncooked quinoa
• 1 1/2 C frozen organic corn kernels
• 15 oz can black beans, rinsed well
• 1 avocado, diced
• Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Directions:

1. Place oven rack in upper third of oven. Turn on the broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil. Lay peppers on their sides on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet under the broiler. Broil until skin is charred, about 3 minutes.
2. Flip peppers, continuing to char on all sides, keeping careful watch. Remove from oven. Set aside in a glass container, loosely covered.
3. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions. Sauté 3-5 minutes, or until translucent, stirring frequently.
4. Add garlic, paprika, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 minutes.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Bring to a boil.
6. Add quinoa. Bring back to a boil, then simmer on low for 30 minutes.
7. Remove cooled poblano peppers from the container. Discard poblano stems, skins, and seeds. Chop.
8. Carefully taste quinoa. Season with more salt, pepper, and chili powder, as needed. If quinoa is sticking excessively to the pan, or to achieve your desired consistency, add 1/2 cup more water.
9. Stir in corn, black beans, and chopped poblano pepper.  Simmer on low heat for 6-8 minutes.
10. Carefully taste. Add tomato sauce or water until the desired consistency is achieved.
11. Serve warm, in large bowls, topped with diced avocado and fresh cilantro.

Swaps:

• For the smoked paprika: regular paprika
• For the black beans: pinto beans

For more plant-forward dishes with southwest flavors, try this southwest salad!