Black Bean and Quinoa Taco Bowls with Lime Crema

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

1. 1 Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer. Combine quinoa and water in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
2. 2 While quinoa cooks, in a skillet over medium heat, sauté bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. 3 Add black beans and corn to the skillet, heating through for another 3-4 minutes.
4. 4 In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, lime juice, and lime zest to create the lime crema.
5. 5 To assemble, divide quinoa among 4 bowls. Top with bean mixture, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, cotija cheese, and cilantro.
6. 6 Drizzle lime crema over each bowl before serving.

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Skillet
• Fine mesh strainer
• Bowls

Variations

• Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a non-vegetarian option.
• Use brown rice instead of quinoa for a gluten-free alternative.

Substitutions

• Substitute cotija cheese with feta for a tangy twist.
• Replace cilantro with parsley if cilantro isn't your jam.

Pairings

• A cold Mexican lager
• Fresh fruit salad on the side

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra spice, add a pinch of chili powder to the bean mixture.
• If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the sour cream with coconut yogurt.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, adding extra lime crema if needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm tortillas on the side.
• Pair with a fresh avocado salsa for extra creaminess.

FAQ