Quinoa is a SUPER healthy grain that is packed with protein and dietary fiber to keep you fuller longer. And trust me, it really does! I added black beans to this recipe to make this a meal instead of a side dish. It tastes almost like spanish rice (which I love), but it is better for you. This dish has great flavor and a little kick from the cayenne pepper.

Spanish Style Quinoa

(Revised from allrecipes.com)

Makes 4 Cups

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup dry quinoa
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups water
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 4-5 green onions, thinly sliced

Method:

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh sieve. In the pot stir in the quinoa, onion, garlic and green pepper. Cook and stir for 5 minutes.

Add in the salt, chili powder, cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper, and cook for 2 more minutes.

Stir in the tomato sauce and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes.

Stir the quinoa occasionally as it cooks. In the last 5 minutes add in the black beans.

Garnish with green onions and enjoy!

Happy Cooking!