Ingredients and Weight:
- Quinoa: 2 cups
- Black Beans: 1 cup
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups
- Red Bell Pepper: 1, diced
- Jalapeno: 1, seeded and diced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Cilantro: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons for cooking
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 40 minutes
- Total: 60 minutes
Difficulty Level:
[Level 3] - Moderate. Requires attention to cooking quinoa and beans separately and combining flavors effectively.
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large pot, soak black beans in water for 2 hours or overnight.
- Drain the water and cook the black beans with chicken broth until tender.
- While the beans are cooking, prepare the quinoa by rinsing it and cooking it separately in boiling water until tender and fluffy.
- In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil and add the diced red bell pepper, jalapeno, and garlic. Saute until fragrant.
- Add the cooked quinoa and black beans to the pan along with the chicken broth. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top.
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 8g
Dish Characteristics:
- Spicy and flavorful, with a kick from the jalapenos and a rich texture from the quinoa and black beans.
- Excellent source of protein and fiber.
- The soup is hearty and fills you up, making it a great main dish or a side dish for meat.
User Comments:
- "Love the combination of quinoa and black beans! The soup is very flavorful."
- "The spice level was perfect. I added a bit more chili for extra kick."
- "Great dish for a colder day. The quinoa added a nice texture to the soup."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Soaking the beans overnight or for at least 2 hours is recommended to ensure they cook evenly and reduce gas formation during digestion.
- Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing the amount of jalapenos or chili peppers according to your preference.