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Easy One-Pan Mexican Quinoa Recipe

Easy One-Pan Mexican Quinoa Recipe

A colorful one-skillet meal featuring fluffy quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and lime. It is a simple vegetarian dinner with bold Mexican-inspired flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup Uncooked quinoa, thoroughly rinsed
  • 1 cup Vegetable broth
  • 1 14.5-ounce can Diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 15-ounce can Black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Frozen corn kernels
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • To taste Kosher salt
  • To taste Freshly ground black pepper
Finishing Ingredients
  • 1 avocado Avocado, diced
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime Fresh lime juice

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the rinsed quinoa, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, black beans, frozen corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well so the quinoa and seasonings are evenly distributed.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the quinoa rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork, then fold in the diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and lime juice.
  5. Taste the finished quinoa and adjust the salt, pepper, lime juice, or chili powder as needed. Serve warm with extra lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer to remove surface saponins and reduce bitterness. Keep the lid on during simmering so the quinoa cooks evenly, and add the avocado after cooking so it remains creamy. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently.