Quinoa Kale Red Beans

Quinoa with Baby Organic Kale and Red Beans

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

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!

Best ever red beans and quinoa
5 from 1 vote
Print

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.

Course Al La Carte, Healthy, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Easy, Gluten free Cuisine, Healthy, Mediterranean, Vegan Cuisine, Vegetarian Cuisine
Keyword Gluten Free Recipes, How to make quinoa and red beans, quinoa and beans recipes, red beans recipes, Vegan Friendly Recipes, vegetarian friendly recipes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 416 kcal
Author Julietkitchen By Chef Yasmin

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

  1. Heat the olive oil in a 3 quart pot. Use medium heat.

  2. Add the shallots. Sauté 1 to 2 minutes.

  3. Add the garlic, ginger and cilantro. Stir. Saute 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.

  4. 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.

  5. Add in the red beans. Stir.

  6. Pour in the stock. Stir. If using a hot pepper add it to the pot. Use high heat to bring stock to a boil.

  7. Sprinkle in the quinoa . Use the spoon to help sink it into the liquid. Don't stir.

  8. Cover the pot with a tight lid. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 12 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.

  9. 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.

Nutrition Facts
Quinoa Kale Red Beans
Amount Per Serving
Calories 416 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 7g
Cholesterol 4mg1%
Sodium 775mg34%
Potassium 941mg27%
Carbohydrates 59g20%
Fiber 12g50%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 19g38%
Vitamin A 2978IU60%
Vitamin C 30mg36%
Calcium 134mg13%
Iron 6mg33%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Please follow and like us:
Rate this recipe

Leave a Reply