One-Pot Quinoa & Black Beans with Corn
A healthy, filling, and budget-friendly one-pot meal featuring quinoa, black beans, and corn, flavored with cumin and garlic.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup quinoa, rinsed and well-drained
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp salt (start here; adjust at the end)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for gentle heat)
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 2 (15-oz) cans low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Optional “Make It Even Better” Add-Ins
- 1–2 Tbsp fresh lime juice (highly recommended)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or chipotle powder (smoky vibe)
- Diced bell pepper or jalapeño (sauté with onion)
- Sliced green onions (stir in at the end)
- Avocado, salsa, or dairy-free sour cream for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden—about 8–10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
Cooking
- Add the rinsed quinoa to the pot. Sprinkle in cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir for 1 minute so the quinoa gets coated and lightly toasted—this boosts flavor.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15–17 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen corn and black beans. Cover again and cook until everything is warmed through, about 5 minutes.
- Turn off heat. Stir in chopped cilantro right before serving (so it stays fresh). Taste and adjust seasoning—more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime can make it sing.
Notes
Rinse quinoa well to remove the natural coating (saponin) that can taste bitter. Drain quinoa thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Let onions turn golden for deeper flavor. Fluff before serving for extra fluffy quinoa. Lime juice at the end brightens flavors.