Flavorful Vegan Beans & Quinoa Recipe
Welcome, foodies and vegans alike! I’m excited to share with you my latest creation that will add some Caribbean flair to your cooking. As a vegan chef, I believe in bringing inspiration and creativity to the plant-based kitchen – and this recipe is no exception.
Inspired by the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean, this Vegan Beans & Quinoa – Caribbean Style Recipe is sure to nourish both your body and mind. Loaded with kidney beans, quinoa, and veggies such as bell pepper, onion, and garlic, this meal offers a diverse range of textures and tastes that will delight your taste buds.
But what makes this recipe so special? It’s all about the spices. We’re talking allspice, chili powder, dried oregano, dried basil, capers – these ingredients awaken your senses and transport you straight to the shores of Jamaica or Trinidad.
Plus, not only does this dish taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly nutritious. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber-rich quinoa, omega-3 fatty acids from capers, antioxidants from bell peppers and tomatoes – you can feel good about what you’re putting in your body.
So roll up your sleeves and let’s start cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a filling and flavorful plant-based meal that will transport you to the warm, tropical beaches of the Caribbean? Look no further than this Vegan Beans & Quinoa – Caribbean Style Recipe!
Why will you love this recipe, you ask? Let me count the ways. First, the combination of protein-packed kidney beans and fluffy quinoa provide a winning mix of texture and nutrients that will keep you satisfied for hours. Second, the aromatic blend of spices – including allspice, chili powder, dried oregano, and dried basil – adds depth and complexity to every bite.
But don’t just take my word for it – let’s talk flavor. Picture yourself savoring each mouthful of tender kidney beans simmered with diced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers in a fragrant mixture of garlic, capers, and spices. Imagine how the tangy boldness of lime juice rounds out every bite, perfectly complementing the savory flavors of the dish.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or are just dipping your toes into this delicious way of eating, this recipe is perfect for anyone who craves hearty, flavorful meals that are both nourishing and satisfying. So come on a culinary journey with me to the Caribbean – I promise your tastebuds won’t regret it.
Ingredient List
Let’s get into the heart of this recipe – the ingredients! It’s a fact that a great dish can only be produced with the right ingredients. For our Caribbean-style Vegan Beans and Quinoa, you’ll need a mix of fresh vegetables, protein-packed beans, and quinoa – a highly nutritious food source with amazing health benefits.
Here are the Ingredients You Will Need:
- 2 cups uncooked quinoa (rinsed and drained)
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 1 large green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 large yellow bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 large red bell pepper (chopped)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons allspice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons capers
- Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
The combination of these rich ingredients makes for an irresistible meal that will leave you feeling satiated and satisfied. Don’t hesitate to make substitutes or variations based on your preferences – after all, cooking is about exploration and discovering what works best for you.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to put all of our ingredients together and make this delicious Vegan Beans & Quinoa – Caribbean Style Recipe come to life!
Step 1: Prepare the Quinoa
First things first, you need to prepare the quinoa. Rinse and drain the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer. In a large pot, add 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Add in the rinsed quinoa, stir and bring back to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until soft and the water is absorbed.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While the quinoa is cooking, heat up some olive oil on medium heat in a large skillet. Add one diced onion, one chopped red bell pepper and 6 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté everything for about 5-7 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
Step 3: Add Beans and Spices
Once the veggies are cooked through, add in 1 can of kidney beans (rinsed & drained) or 1 can of red beans, along with 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of ground allspice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 tablespoon of capers, a pinch of fresh ground pepper],and sea salt topping]. Stir it all up and let it cook for another few minutes.
Step 4: Simmer With Broth
Next up, pour in vegetable broth [2 cups] into the skillet with the veggie mixture. Bring everything to a simmer and let it sit for about five minutes.
Step 5: Combine Everything Together
Finally, combine the cooked quinoa with your veggie-bean mixture in the skillet. Keep stirring it gently until everything is evenly combined.
And voila! You’re ready to serve up some delicious Vegan Beans & Quinoa – Caribbean Style Recipe that will have everyone asking for more!
Substitutions and Variations
Variety is the spice of life and experimenting with different flavors in your cooking can make a world of a difference. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try to customize this vegan beans and quinoa recipe:
– Swap kidney beans for black beans or red beans, they will add a different texture and flavor to the dish.
– If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili powder or even cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.
– For a Jamaican twist on this recipe, substitute the dried oregano for thyme, and use pigeon peas instead of kidney beans.
– Feeling adventurous? Replace the quinoa with rice and simmer it in some coconut milk. This will give it a creamy and rich flavor that complements the Caribbean taste profile.
– If you’re not a fan of bell peppers or onions, feel free to substitute them for other vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or cauliflower. This will give your dish a different texture and flavor profile altogether.
– For a protein boost, stir in some diced tofu towards the end of cooking. The tofu will soak up all of the flavors from the dish while adding some extra texture.
– Add in some fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro or green onions right before serving to brighten up the flavors.
Remember, these are just suggestions! Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from this vegan beans and quinoa recipe and create something totally unique based on what ingredients you have on hand. The sky’s the limit with creativity in cooking!
Serving and Pairing
Congratulations! You have prepared a wholesome and hearty Caribbean-style vegan beans and quinoa dish that is as delicious as it is nutritious. Now, it’s time to serve it up in style and make the most of those complex flavors.
Serving:
For a simple yet satisfying meal, you can serve the vegan beans and quinoa hot straight out of the pot. I recommend garnishing with a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice, which brings out the tangy flavors of the dish. Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh ground pepper, sea salt, allspice or chili powder depending on your preferences. If you’re looking for an extra kick of flavor, throw in some capers for the perfect finishing touch.
Pairing:
To complete your meal, consider pairing your Caribbean-style vegan beans and quinoa with a refreshing salad or a side of crispy bread. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some diced tomatoes to your salad for a burst of freshness. Alternatively, you can pair the dish with some coconut milk or black beans for added fiber.
This dish is also versatile enough to complement other side dishes such as Jamaican rice and peas or even Cajun-style dishes. The sky’s the limit when it comes to pairing this dish.
In conclusion, this vegan beans and quinoa recipe is packed full of flavor and nutrition making it perfect for any occasion. The meal is filling enough to serve as a main dish or pair perfectly with other sides of your choice. Don’t be afraid to get creative with it – there are no wrong answers when it comes to pairing this Caribbean-inspired dish!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this Vegan Beans & Quinoa – Caribbean Style Recipe is that it makes for an excellent make-ahead meal. You can prepare a large pot of it on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week, for lunch or dinner.
To make this meal ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions and allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to store the quinoa and the beans separately to avoid the beans becoming too soft.
When reheating, add a little vegetable broth or water to the dish as needed, as it may have thickened up in the fridge. Reheat over low-medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.
If you’re looking to store this dish for longer periods, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. After cooling to room temperature, divide into serving sizes in labeled freezer-safe bags or containers that are sealed tightly. If possible store quinoa and bean mixtures separately.
Whenever you’re ready to serve this Vegan Beans & Quinoa – Caribbean Style Recipe from the freezer, let it thaw overnight in your fridge. For reheating, use any of the two methods mentioned above or alternatively, microwave directly from frozen in a microwave-safe container at 30-second intervals while separating any ingredients which were stored together.
Whether you’re looking for quick and easy weekday meals or prepping meals ahead of time to save time during busy workdays or evenings, this recipe provides convenience without compromising taste
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that we’ve gotten the recipe down, I want to share some additional tips to make sure you achieve perfect results with your Vegan Beans & Quinoa Caribbean Style dish. The following tips are designed to help you avoid common mistakes and ensure that your final product is packed with flavor and nutrition.
1. Cook your quinoa with vegetable broth instead of water – Cooking the quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water adds an extra depth of flavor to the dish. And if you’re looking for extra protein, try using quinoa pea or pigeon pea rice for a fuller taste.
2. Soak beans overnight – Soak kidney beans or any other kinds of beans overnight before cooking them. This will help remove some indigestible sugars and shorten the cooking time.
3. Use fresh ingredients – Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients like garlic, onion, and bell pepper. They can bring in both texture and flavor, giving your dish a much brighter taste.
4. Season liberally with Caribbean spices – Allspice, chili powder, dried oregano, and dried basil make up the backbone of this dish’s flavors but don’t forget lime juice, fresh ground pepper or sea salt to brighten everything up.
5. Don’t overcrowd the pan- Cooking too many vegetables at once can cause them to steam rather than sauté, resulting in a somewhat soggy texture.
6. Batch cook your quinoa- Despite its health benefits, preparing a large batch of quinoa takes about 20–25 minutes on the stove-top. However, cooking enough to last several meals will save you time in the long run.
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to impress yourself (and any guests) with this Vegan Beans & Quinoa Caribbean style recipe! With experience from cooking this recipe following these instructions consistently will soon make you confident in creating variations that suit your tastebuds too.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this recipe for Vegan Beans & Quinoa – Caribbean Style is a perfect addition to your vegan kitchen. Not only does it include all the healthy and nutrient-rich ingredients you need, but it is also a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy a Caribbean-inspired meal. With its combination of kidney beans, quinoa, vegetables, and spices like chili powder and dried oregano, this recipe delivers a punch of flavor that will have you craving more.
But there’s more! The recipe is also versatile enough to allow for substitutions and variations. You can swap beans or adjust the spice level to suit your preference. And with our tips and recommendations, you are guaranteed to achieve perfect results every time you make it.
Overall, this Vegan Beans & Quinoa – Caribbean Style recipe is a great way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet while still enjoying the flavors of the Caribbean. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you for it!
Vegan Beans & Quinoa - Caribbean Style Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large bell pepper, diced (any colour OK)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups cooked kidney beans (about 2 regular sized cans, drained)
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup stuffed olives
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (to taste)
- sea salt (to taste)
- fresh ground pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 a fresh lime
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large saute pan. Sauté the peppers, onions and garlic until just cooked, about 10 minutes.
- While the peppers, onion and garlic are cooking, rinse the quinoa in several changes of water. Drain it well. Add the quinoa to the pan and toast it for a few minutes, just to dry it out a little.
- Add the remaining ingredients, stir well. Turn the heat to low, cover and cook until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Add a little extra hot sauce if you dare! Sprinkle with fresh lime juice and serve.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.