Once again, for a busy life, crockpot cooking is my jam. This quinoa enchilada situation is a great cure for a Mexican food craving. The original recipe is vegetarian. Good original vegetarian meals are sometimes few and far between so I like to include our veggie friends on our tasty Tuesdays! But If you want some meat/more protein just add some seasoned shredded chicken or lean ground turkey! for Vegan, just leave out the cheese! I found this recipe at Cooking Classy.
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp canola oil
1 1/4 cups chopped yellow onion (1 medium)
1 1/4 cups chopped red bell pepper (1 medium)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups dry quinoa
2 1/4 cups vegetable broth
1 (14.5 oz) can tomatoes with green chilies, not drained
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 1/2 cups cheddar or monterey jack, or Mexican blend cheese
For serving:
Diced avocados , diced Roma tomatoes, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper and saute 3 minutes. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer. Pour mixture into a slow cooker.
Stir in quinoa, vegetable broth, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder and cumin and season wtih salt and pepper to taste.
Cover and cook on HIGH heat about 2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours 15 minutes (cook time can vary because all slow cookers cook a little differently so just keep an eye on it near the end to make sure it’s neither getting soggy or drying out near the edges).
Add corn, black beans and pinto beans and toss mixture. Even top then sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook until heated through and cheese has melted about 10 – 15 minutes longer. Serve warm with desired toppings.
ENJOY! – Recipe suggested by Jamie B. – Personal Trainer
