Recipe: Spicy Quinoa with Black Beans and Tomatoes

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) - every one's new favourite (and gluten free!) health food.  Although it is often lumped into the "whole grains" category, it's actually not a true cereal or grain.  In fact, it's more closely related to spinach and beets! Weird, I know....

Nonetheless, it's good for you (with loads of fibre and protein) and can be delicious too.  The black beans in this recipe add even MORE protein and fibre and makes for a very filling meal! This quick dish can also be made ahead of time.  I especially like it as a vegetarian lunch.

Serves 2 (Generously!)

-1/2 cup of quinoa
-1 cup of water
-1 cup (1/2 of a 19 oz can) of black beans, drained and rinsed
-1 medium tomato, diced
-1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
-1/2 a small jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
-1/2 small red onion, diced
-1 stalk of green onion, thinly sliced
-2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
-juice of 1 lime
-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
-salt and pepper

• Place quinoa and water in a medium pot and bring to a boil.  Turn down heat to low and cover with a tight fitting lit.  After about 15 min, remove lid and fluff quinoa with a fork.
• Add cooked quinoa to a large bowl to cool.
• Combine remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste.
• Enjoy!