Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Soup

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:

1. In a large pot, soak black beans in water for 2 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the water and cook the black beans with chicken broth until tender.
3. While the beans are cooking, prepare the quinoa by rinsing it and cooking it separately in boiling water until tender and fluffy.
4. In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil and add the diced red bell pepper, jalapeno, and garlic. Saute until fragrant.
5. Add the cooked quinoa and black beans to the pan along with the chicken broth. Simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Stir in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. 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:

1. "Love the combination of quinoa and black beans! The soup is very flavorful."
2. "The spice level was perfect. I added a bit more chili for extra kick."
3. "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.