Black Bean and Quinoa Salad

Hi there - look at me posting on time. Early you could even say! So, this is a terrifically healthy, and even better, delicious meal (or side dish).  And as usual, its unbelievably simple to make.

If you haven't heard of quinoa (pronounced keen-wa), its a really great food. It tastes good and is very very good for you.  Here's a link if you're interested in learning more:  Quinoa info

So let's do this. 

Ingredients

1 tsp oil

1 onion

3 cloves garlic

1/2 cup red bell pepper

3/4 cup uncooked quinoa

1 1/2 cups broth

1 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

salt and pepper

1 cup frozen corn kernels

2 (15 ounce) cans black beans

Step 1: Heat oil in pot at medium heat

Step 2: Chop onion, garlic, and red pepper - add to heated oil in pot

Step 3: Saute until ingredients are slightly wilted and browned.

Step 4: Using a very fine sieve rinse the quinoa

Make sure the sieve has holes small enough that quinoa doesn't fall through

Step 5: Add quinoa to the onion mixture and then add broth.

Step 6: Add cumin

Step 7: Add cayenne pepper

Add more or less depending on your love of heat

Step 8: Give the pot a good mix

Step 9: Cover pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 12 minutes.

Water will have been absorbed, and quinoa will be fluffy

 Step 10: Add frozen corn to pot and cook on medium/low for 5 more minutes

Step 11: Add beans

I always make sure to drain and rinse canned beans. I feel this helps not to add a lot of excess salt and/or starch.

Step 12: Enjoy!

You can eat this hot or cold, as a meal or a side dish