Recipe Station

Here are all the ingredients you need for this hearty dish. As you can see, the cheese is optional, but it enhances the flavor so much we can't imagine this dish without it!

Ingredients To Gather:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups chopped white onions
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 cup quinoa,* rinsed, drained
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cup water
• 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
• Crumbled Cotija cheese or feta cheese (optional)

Directions To Follow:

1. Saute onions and red pepper in oil over medium-high heat until they start to soften– this usually takes about 5 minutes. Next, add the quinoa, chili powder, cumin and salt, and then add water and bring to a boil. After the mixture starts to boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer. Continue to simmer until the quinoa begins to get tender — this usually takes about 14 minutes. Next, add the beans and half of the cilantro. Leave uncovered and cook until the liquid is gone and the entire mixture is completely heated. This usually takes about 3 minutes.

That's it! For maximum presentation and flavor, serve this dish with cilantro and cheese sprinkled on top. This recipe serves between 4 and 6, so it's ideal for leftovers or for dinner with the extended family. Everyone can have seconds! And we can guarantee they'll want to.

Article Source: Bon Appetit