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Cilantro Lime Black Bean Tacos with Quinoa Recipe


  • Author: Victoria

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients for the Cilantro Lime Quinoa:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 23 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Ingredients for the Spiced Black Bean Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red or green bell pepper, chopped (optional, for extra veggies)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (or 1.5 cups cooked black beans)
  • 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For Assembling the Tacos:

  • 812 small corn or flour tortillas (corn for gluten-free)
  • Optional Toppings:

    • Shredded lettuce or cabbage
    • Diced avocado or guacamole
    • Salsa (pico de gallo, salsa verde, or your favorite)
    • Vegan sour cream or Greek yogurt (if not vegan)
    • Crumbled cotija cheese or feta cheese (if not vegan/dairy-free)
    • Pickled red onions
    • Extra lime wedges
    • Extra chopped cilantro


Instructions

1. Cook the Cilantro Lime Quinoa:
* In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, vegetable broth (or water), olive oil, salt, and pepper.
* Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
* Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
* Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
* Fluff the quinoa with a fork. Stir in the 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Spiced Black Bean Filling:
* While the quinoa is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
* Add the chopped yellow onion and bell pepper (if using). Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and slightly translucent.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
* Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans, 1/2 cup water (or broth), ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
* Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
* Remove from heat. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Warm the Tortillas:
* You can warm tortillas in a few ways:
* Dry Skillet: Heat a dry skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high heat. Warm each tortilla for about 30-60 seconds per side, until pliable and slightly charred in spots.
* Oven: Wrap a stack of tortillas in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes.
* Microwave: Wrap a few tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until warm.

4. Assemble the Tacos:
* Lay out the warm tortillas.
* Spoon a generous amount of the cilantro lime quinoa onto each tortilla.
* Top with a hearty portion of the spiced black bean mixture.
* Add your favorite toppings: shredded lettuce, avocado, salsa, vegan sour cream, etc.
* Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: One Normal Portion
  • Calories: 450-550