This nutritious crockpot quinoa and black beans dish is a simple and satisfying meal, perfect for busy days. Packed with protein and fiber, it offers a hearty option for lunch or dinner.
The recipe is easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time. You can customize it with various spices or vegetables to enhance the flavor according to your taste.
Ingredients That Shine
The foundation of this dish lies in its wholesome ingredients. Quinoa serves as a nutritious base, offering a fluffy texture and a nutty flavor.
Black beans add a hearty element, packed with protein and fiber, making this meal both filling and satisfying.
Complementing these are diced tomatoes and colorful bell peppers, which not only enhance the dish’s visual appeal but also contribute a burst of flavor and nutrients.
Effortless Preparation
Preparing this meal is straightforward, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it cooks.
Begin by rinsing the quinoa to remove any bitterness, then chop the vegetables.
Simply combine all the ingredients in the crockpot, set it to cook, and let the flavors meld together over several hours.
Cooking Process
The slow cooking method is key to achieving a perfectly cooked dish.
By allowing the quinoa and beans to simmer together, the flavors deepen, creating a comforting meal that warms the soul.
Whether you choose to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for a quicker option, the result is a deliciously wholesome bowl ready to be enjoyed.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains, enhancing its light texture.
Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness.
This dish can be served as a main course or as a side, making it versatile for any meal.
Customization Options
This recipe is easily adaptable to suit personal tastes.
Feel free to experiment with different spices or additional vegetables.
Adding ingredients like corn, zucchini, or even a squeeze of lime can elevate the flavor profile, making each batch unique.
Nutrition and Benefits
Each serving of this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious.
With around 220 calories per serving, it offers a balanced mix of carbohydrates and protein, making it a great option for a healthy meal.
Its high fiber content supports digestive health, while the variety of vegetables contributes essential vitamins and minerals.
Easy Crockpot Quinoa and Black Beans Recipe
This dish combines quinoa and black beans with tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices, all cooked together in a slow cooker for a deliciously wholesome meal. The recipe takes about 6-8 hours on low and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the quinoa under cold water. Chop the bell pepper, onion, and mince the garlic.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, add the rinsed quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, chopped bell pepper, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the quinoa is fluffy and cooked through.
- Serve: Fluff the quinoa with a fork and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot as a main dish or side.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
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I’m Nina, and I’m very passionate about spirituality. Exploring the depths of the soul and connecting with the divine has always been my source of inspiration. Join me on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace through my writing.