Why We Like It

This one-pot vegetarian meal, topped with lazy guacamole, blends a fantastic variety of textures, colors and Mexican flavors. Plus, it’s quick and easy too!

Prepare First:

2 garlic cloves (finely diced, or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
2 jalapenos

Since this meal comes together quickly, go ahead and prepare these first.

Mince the garlic and set aside.

Remove seeds from one jalapeno, then dice both and set aside. (Wash your hands after chopping, to prevent the spice from getting anywhere you don’t want it!)

Cook the Garlic and Jalapeños:

1 Tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)

Add oil to a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and jalapeños and sauté for about one minute.

Add Next:

1 1/4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium or low sodium chicken broth)
1 (14.5 oz) can black beans (no salt added, rinsed and drained)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (low sodium, or diced tomatoes with green chilies)
1 (4 oz) can black olives (drained and sliced or chopped)
1 cup corn (frozen, or cut fresh from the cob)
1/4 to 1/2 tsp salt

Add to the saucepan.

Add the Quinoa:

1 cup quinoa (red, white or mixed, uncooked)

Rinse quinoa using a fine mesh strainer. Add to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.

Make the Simple Guacamole:

2 avocados (halved and flesh removed)
1 Tbsp lime juice (juice from half of 1 small lime)
2 garlic cloves (finely diced, or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

Add to a medium-sized bowl and use a fork or potato masher to combine. Set aside.

Finish with Add-Ins (OPTIONAL):

1/2 cup salsa (of your choice)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
1/2 Tbsp lime juice (or juice from half of a small lime)

When quinoa is done, add any or all of the optional additions.

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve quinoa mixture with the Simple Guacamole.

Quick Tips

Quinoa has a natural coating, called saponin, which can sometimes taste bitter. If your quinoa is not pre-rinsed when you purchase it, then you can rinse the uncooked quinoa in a fine mesh colander before cooking.