If you need a meal that keeps you full for hours, this black bean and quinoa bowl is the perfect choice. It is packed with plant based protein and fiber. I love making this when I have a busy week ahead because it stays fresh in the fridge for a long time.
You do not need to spend hours in the kitchen to eat healthy. This meal is simple, affordable, and honestly delicious. It is a great change of pace if you want to skip meat for a night but still want to feel strong. You can check out more ideas for your morning meals on Savory Spinach and Feta Scramble: Your Energizing Morning Meal! to keep your routine balanced.
Ingredients Needed
You can find these items at any local store. They are very common and won’t cost much money.
- 1 cup of dry quinoa
- 2 cups of water
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of frozen corn kernels
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into small pieces
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 lime, squeezed for juice
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- A pinch of salt and black pepper
- Fresh cilantro for topping
Step By Step Making
1. Start by rinsing your quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cold water. This helps remove a bitter taste that quinoa sometimes has.
2. Put the quinoa and water in a medium pot. Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat down low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. All the water should be gone by then.
3. While the quinoa cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add your chopped red bell pepper and corn. Cook these for about 5 minutes until they start to get a little bit soft.
4. Add the black beans to the pan with the vegetables. Sprinkle the chili powder, salt, and pepper over the mix. Stir everything well so the spices coat the beans and veggies. Cook for another 3 minutes.
5. Once the quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork. You can add the cooked veggie and bean mix directly into the pot with the quinoa, or serve them side by side in a bowl.
6. Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the top of your bowl. Add the slices of avocado and some fresh cilantro to finish it off.
7. Mix everything together before you start eating. If you want, you can store this in glass containers for your work lunches throughout the week. Azeely is all about making sure you have the right tools to stay healthy and fit.
Nutritional Value
This dish is a heavy hitter when it comes to nutrition. It provides a great balance of energy for your body.
- Protein: 18 grams per serving
- Calories: 420 per bowl
- Carbs: 65 grams per bowl
Health Benefits
Eating plant based protein like black beans and quinoa is great for your muscles. Muscles need amino acids to repair themselves after you work out. This dish has all the right stuff to help you recover quickly.
The high fiber content is another big win. Fiber keeps your digestion moving smooth and helps you avoid that heavy, tired feeling after lunch. It keeps your blood sugar stable so you do not crash mid afternoon.
Quinoa is also a complete protein, which is rare for plants. This means it contains every amino acid your body needs. Using this as a base for your meals makes it easy to hit your protein goals without needing to rely only on animal products. Your heart will also love the healthy fats found in the avocado and olive oil.
Keep things simple and focused on whole foods. When you cook for yourself, you know exactly what is going into your body. This bowl is a fantastic way to fuel your lifestyle and keep your energy high all day long.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
