"The people who give you their food give you their heart" - Cesar Chavez


Friday, September 18, 2009

Mexican Style Quinoa with Black Beans, Tomatoes and Hearts of Palm


I'm rather new to cooking with quinoa but because it's a grain, and versatile like couscous, I decided to create a Mexican style dish with it. A little interesting factoid is that quinoa was actually a staple in Inca civilization; it was called "the mother grain" and it's popular in a lot of South American dishes. This dish takes no time to make and requires very little prep work, so it's perfect for a mid-week meal.

Mexican Style Quinoa with Black Beans, Tomatoes and Hearts of Palm
(4 servings)

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 pinch of sugar
1 cup quinoa
1 large tomato chopped
1 10 ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained
4 hearts of palms sliced into small pieces
1 bunch of cilantro chopped
4 scallions sliced all the way to the white root
1 avocado sliced, for garnish

Directions:
1. Whisk together the melted butter, lime juice, olive oil and sugar in a large bowl and set aside
2. Cook quinoa in 2 cups of boiling water just until the water is absorbed (about 10 min). Then remove from heat and fluff with a fork and cover.
3. When quinoa is ready, mix in with the dressing and toss until it is evenly absorbed
4. Add in vegetables and mix thoroughly, serve with a few slices of avocado

1 comment:

FoodLover said...

I like your healthy cooking the best. Quinoa is also the only grain that is a complete protein.