Tacos without meat? Yes, and they’re absolutely enchanting! Imagine a warm, sunlit afternoon, the grill sizzling in the background, while you indulge in these vibrant, plant-powered delights. The texture of quinoa mingling with the heartiness of black beans and the sweet pop of corn—it’s like a fiesta in every bite.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté the chopped onion for about three minutes until it becomes translucent. Add minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced tomatoes with green chilis, and stir in the quinoa. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper to your taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes until the quinoa is fully cooked.
- Stir in the frozen corn and canned black beans. Allow the mixture to simmer for another five minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.
- Add freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro to the pan. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Serve the warm mixture in tortillas, adding your favorite toppings as desired.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 lime
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Tortillas (for serving)
- Optional toppings for serving (such as cheese, avocado, sour cream, etc.)
Nutritional Values
Calories 1645 | Calories from Fat 270 | Fat 30g | Sodium 250mg | Potassium 4450mg | Carbohydrates 285g | Fiber 60g | Sugar 20g | Protein 75g | Vitamin A 2600IU | Vitamin C 84mg | Calcium 410mg | Iron 24mg
FAQ
- Can I make these Quinoa, Black Bean, and Corn Tacos spicier?
- Yes, you can adjust the level of spice to your liking. If you enjoy more heat, consider increasing the amount of cayenne pepper or adding chopped jalapeños to the mix.
- What are some serving suggestions for these tacos?
- These tacos can be served in various ways. Consider rolling them into burritos, using them as a filling for burrito bowls, or even serving them as a salad with greens and taco toppings.
- How can I store leftovers of this dish?
- To store leftovers, pat the mixture with paper towels to reduce excess liquid, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you freeze it, reheat gradually in a pan or microwave, adding a bit of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
- Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?
- Yes, feel free to substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian dish. You can also replace quinoa with brown rice if preferred.
- What toppings work well with these tacos?
- These tacos pair well with a variety of toppings such as avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. Customize to your taste!
Tips
- To enhance the flavor profile, adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences. You may want to reduce the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder dish.
- When reheating leftovers, add a little broth to prevent the quinoa, beans, and corn from drying out. Reheat gently over medium heat or in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
- If you have leftover filling, consider repurposing it into other dishes such as burritos, salads, or even a taco salad by adding greens and perhaps some ground beef.
- For optimal storage, pat the leftovers with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Avoid freezing, as it might alter the texture.
Equipment
- Large Non-Stick Saucepan – Essential for sautéing and simmering the ingredients.
- Lid for Saucepan – Necessary for covering the saucepan while cooking the quinoa.
- Citrus Juicer – Useful for extracting lime juice efficiently.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife – For chopping onions and cilantro, if you don’t already have a good one.
- Cutting Board – To safely prepare the ingredients like onions and cilantro.
