Quinoa with Baby Organic Kale and Red Beans
This quinoa kale red beans is one of the most delicious recipes. It’s healthy and easy to make. Amazingly, this quinoa makes the perfect side dish. It comes out super fluffy and the brilliantly nutty flavor shines through. What’s more, it cooks quicker than even white rice.
Additionally, this dish is versatile. The recipe uses baby organic kale. However, baby organic spinach also works perfectly. While this quinoa kale red beans taste absolutely marvelous with the red beans, some other beans that works perfectly includes black eye peas, chickpeas or even black beans. Further, add a small amount of coconut milk to highlight even more flavor.
Also, while the recipe uses white organic quinoa, any variety of quinoa works. The red or the tri-color quinoa variations also comes out perfectly delicious. This Bob’s Mill Organic Quinoa is one of my favorite. However, whatever brand of quinoa you prefer will do.
What is quinoa and is it healthier than brown rice?
Technically speaking, quinoa is an edible seed. However, it generally falls under the whole grain classification. Importantly, the seed is quite nutritious. It contains approximately 8 grams protein and 6 grams fiber per serving. Unlike other plant-proteins, quinoa consists of all nine amino acids. Therefore, it is a complete protein. Additionally, with the kale and red beans added into this quinoa kale red beans dish, the nutritional content is even more impressive.
What’s more, quinoa is gluten-free making it perfect for those whom are gluten intolerance. According to the University of Pittsburg Medical Center, compared to brown rice, quinoa contains three to four times the nutrients of brown rice. Additionally, while brown rice satiates the hunger, quinoa works even better with keeping you filled.
For years, brown rice was (and still is) one of my favorite grains. However, quinoa has been elevated to the top of the pecking order. It’s used in recipes like this Quinoa Salad with grilled vegetables or this Rich Creamy Quinoa. This quinoa kale red beans recipe is definitely worth a try. Happy cooking!
Quinoa Kale Red Beans
An easy to make and healthy quinoa with kale and red beans. It surprisingly delicious and better tasting than rice and beans.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium shallot peeled and minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic finely minced. About 3 cloves.
- 1 tablespoon ginger peeled and finely minced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
- 4 ounces baby kale organic
- 15 ounces red beans (1 can) rinsed thoroughly
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- Optional: 1 habanero pepper
- 1 cup white organic quinoa
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a 3 quart pot. Use medium heat.
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Add the shallots. Sauté 1 to 2 minutes.
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Add the garlic, ginger and cilantro. Stir. Saute 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the kale. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir. Cook 1 to 2 minutes until it starts to wilt.
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Add in the red beans. Stir.
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Pour in the stock. Stir. If using a hot pepper add it to the pot. Use high heat to bring stock to a boil.
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Sprinkle in the quinoa . Use the spoon to help sink it into the liquid. Don't stir.
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Cover the pot with a tight lid. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 12 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.
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Open the pot, quickly fluff with a fork. Cover the pot tightly. Rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Fluff again. Serve with your favorite entree.
