Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Black Bean and Tomato Quinoa

There's nothing not to love about this delicious side dish.  It's easy and wonderful...go make some.  Now!  (I don't know why I'm feeling so bossy today, sorry)



Recipe (from Epicurious)

  • 2 teaspoons grated lime zest

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 cup quinoa

  • 1 (14- to 15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced

  • 4 scallions, chopped

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro



  • Whisk together lime zest and juice, butter, oil, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4teaspoon pepper in a large bowl.
    Wash quinoa in 3 changes of cold water in a bowl, draining in a sieve each time.
    Cook quinoa in a medium pot of boiling salted water (1 tablespoon salt for 2 quarts water), uncovered, until almost tender, about 10 minutes. Drain in sieve, then set sieve in same pot with 1 inch of simmering water (water should not touch bottom of sieve). Cover quinoa with a folded kitchen towel, then cover sieve with a lid (don't worry if lid doesn't fit tightly) and steam over medium heat until tender, fluffy, and dry, about 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat and remove lid. Let stand, still covered with towel, 5 minutes.  *I didn't do all this, I just cooked the quinoa according to package directions*
    Add quinoa to dressing and toss until dressing is absorbed, then stir in remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste.



    I was wondering if there might be some way to decrease the butter/oil content of the dressing.  Any ideas?


  • 3 comments:

    1. I just bought my first bag of quinoa! This sounds really good with all kinds of great flavors going on. I need to try this soon.

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    2. I don't know how the decrease of fats will affect the texture of the dressing, but you can substitute butter for margarine and vegetable oil with olive oil which is much better. Anyway, the quinoa looks perfect and not only as side dish, but also as a main light meal!

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    3. Super recipe - full of goodness and flavor -
      mary x

      ReplyDelete