Black Bean and Quinoa Enchilada Bake

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Quinoa - 1 cup (cooked)
2. Black Beans - 1 cup (cooked)
3. Corn Tortillas - 8 pieces
4. Enchilada Sauce - 1 cup
5. Red Onion - ½ cup, chopped
6. Bell Pepper - ½ cup, chopped
7. Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
8. Cheddar Cheese - 1 cup, shredded
9. Salt and Pepper - to taste
10. Vegetable Oil - for frying

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 40 minutes
• Total: 1 hour

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a saucepan, cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside to cool.
3. In another pan, cook the black beans until warmed through. Set aside.
4. In a separate pan, fry the corn tortillas briefly in vegetable oil to make them more crispy and then set aside.
5. In a baking dish, spread a layer of the quinoa at the bottom. Top with a layer of the warmed black beans.
6. Spread the enchilada sauce evenly over the beans and quinoa.
7. Layer the fried corn tortillas next, followed by the chopped red onion and bell pepper.
8. Sprinkle the garlic and then top with the cheddar cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information: (Per Serving) Calories: Approximately 400-450 (depending on the toppings and amount of cheese used) Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 50-60g Protein: 20-25g Fiber: 8-10g (Based on average values; actual nutrition facts may vary)

Dish Characteristics:

• A fusion of Mexican and American flavors, this dish combines the best of both worlds.
• The quinoa and black beans provide a hearty and protein-rich base with a slight kick from the enchilada sauce.
• The dish is hearty, filling, and perfect for a meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was a hit at my dinner party! The combination of flavors was spot on." - John Doe
2. "The quinoa and black beans made for a unique and tasty enchilada bake." - Jane Smith
3. "I loved the addition of the fried corn tortillas; they added a nice crunch to the dish." - Michael Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to cook the quinoa and black beans according to package instructions to ensure proper texture and taste.
• If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can skip the cheese or use a vegetarian-friendly substitute.
• Adjust the seasoning as per your preference, adding more enchilada sauce or seasoning if needed for a spicier dish.