Ingredients
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
– Juice of 1 lime
Equipment Needed
– Medium saucepan
– Cutting board
– Sharp knife
– Measuring cups
– Wooden spoon
– Large mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start, I rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This step is crucial because it removes the natural coating, called saponin, that can make the quinoa taste bitter. After rinsing, I place the quinoa in a medium saucepan and add the vegetable broth. I bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts bubbling, I lower the heat, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is light and fluffy. The aroma that fills my kitchen during this time is simply divine. (See the next page below to continue steps…)