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One-Pan Mexican Quinoa

One-Pan Mexican Quinoa: A Flavor-Packed Family Feast

One-Pan Mexican Quinoa is a vibrant and nutritious family-friendly meal ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or avocado oil for a nutty twist
  • 1 Onion or shallots for a milder flavor
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 Red Pepper or green bell pepper or jalapeño
  • 1 Fresh Tomato or canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup Corn or frozen corn/diced zucchini
For the Spices
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin or coriander as an alternative
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander or Italian herbs as substitutes
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika or regular paprika
  • to taste Salt adjust to taste
For the Protein and Grains
  • 1 can Black Beans drained and rinsed or kidney/pinto beans
  • 1 cup Quinoa or long-grain rice (adjust cooking time)
For Garnishing
  • 2 cups Water or Vegetable Stock low-sodium preferred
  • 1 Avocado or sour cream/Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro or parsley as a substitute
  • 1 Lime or lemon as an alternative

Equipment

  • Large pan or skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Finely chop the onion, red pepper, and fresh tomato; mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add the chopped onion and red pepper, sauté for 3–5 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic, chopped tomato, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Rinse quinoa under cold water. Add rinsed quinoa, corn, black beans, and 2 cups of water or vegetable stock to the skillet. Stir well.
  5. Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 15 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes with the lid on.
  7. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and garnish with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove saponins. Adjust spice levels to family preferences and use low-sodium stock for a richer flavor.

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