Recipe: Quinoa Black Bean Energy Bowl

This simple creation delivers a multitude of fresh flavors! Try this protein-packed lunch with all the essential amino acids you need for a strong immune system, optimal recovery, and optimal health. Triple the recipe to enjoy leftovers later in the week.

Quinoa Black Bean Energy Bowl

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups organic vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you don't like heat, wait to add the pepper last, start with half this amount, and add to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper 
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels 
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (1.5 cups)
•  1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup dried tart cherries or raisins
• 1 lime (optional)

Instructions

Rinse quinoa thoroughly with cold water in a fine-mesh strainer and let it drain.

In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable stock, quinoa, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for twenty minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand for five minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Return pan to low heart and stir in frozen corn. Simmer five minutes or until heated through. Stir in black beans and cilantro.

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until lightly browned. Transfer to a large bowl. Add quinoa mixture, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and dried cherries, tossing to combine.

Top with cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice and enjoy!

Nutrition Info

515 calories
90 grams carbohydrates
25 grams protein
11 grams fats
15 grams fiber

This recipe is part of our four-week ultimate performance vegetarian meal plan. Check out all our pre-made nutrition plans or contact us to find out how we can provide nutrition assistance customized specifically to your needs and goals. The next level awaits!

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Anne Guzman is a PCG nutritionist, a registered holistic nutritionist, and a sports nutrition consultant with a degree in kinesiology. Her passion lies in sports nutrition for endurance athletes, as well as general health and wellness. Anne raced full time on the women’s professional circuit in North America with some bouts in Europe from 2008 until 2011, and before cycling was a provincial and CIAU champion and national bronze medalist as a Varsity Freestyle Wrestler. Currently Anne works with athletes to help them reach their potential by combining their own training plans with her nutrition plans. Anne believes that many athletes undermine their intense detailed training regimes by not backing them with sound nutrition. Her personal experience as a cyclist and athlete is a great asset to her business as she understands the needs and nuances that come with the sport. Anne can be contacted through PeaksCoachingGroup.com or at info@peakscoachinggroup.com. Read more nutrition advice on her blog.

Photo credit: DailyBurn.com