Black Bean & Corn Quinoa

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Dec. 30, 2023
Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn't. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium sweet red pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 celery rib, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro, divided

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, red pepper, celery and seasonings; cook and stir 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
  2. Stir in stock and corn; bring to a boil. Stir in quinoa. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
  3. Add beans and 1/3 cup cilantro; heat through, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro.

Quinoa Recipe Tips

How do you make quinoa not mushy?

For perfectly fluffy quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah), measure the ingredients accurately and cook according to the directions on the package. Excess liquid is usually the culprit for mushy quinoa.

What can you add to quinoa to make it taste better?

When cooking quinoa, try substituting vegetable or chicken broth for part of the water—it will make your quinoa more flavorful. Serve this black bean and corn quinoa with this Smoky Grilled Chicken and this refreshing lemonade.

Should I rinse quinoa before cooking?

The package will indicate if the quinoa has been pre-rinsed. If not, you should rinse the quinoa to remove any dusty grain particles. Once you master your quinoa cooking method, try these other healthy quinoa recipes.

Research contributed by Catherine Ward, Taste of Home Prep Kitchen Manager

Nutrition Facts

1-1/4 cups: 375 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.