Name: Quinoa Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tbsp. olive oil; 1 cup red onion; 2 garlic cloves; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp ground chili powder; ½ cup quinoa; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 can black beans; ½ tsp salt; black pepper; 1 avocado; 2 limes; 1 Jalapeno; 1 fresh cilantro; ¼ tsp salt; 8 small round corn tortillas; 1 ½ cups romaine lettuce; Optional garnishes:; jalapenos; feta cheese

Step into the world of vibrant flavors with this wholesome and scrumptious quinoa black bean tacos with avocado sauce recipe. It's an easy, nutritious, and delicious dish that's sure to become a fast favorite. It's packed with protein-rich quinoa and black beans and topped off with a creamy avocado sauce that adds a delightful zest. The perfect meal for any day of the week!

quinoa black bean tacos with creamy avocado sauce recipe

Photos of Quinoa Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this delicious recipe are quite common and likely to be in your kitchen already. However, quinoa might be one item you need to look out for. It's a grain crop that is high in nutrients and has a nutty flavor. You can usually find it in the health foods or grain aisle in supermarkets. Another ingredient that might not be readily available at home is black beans. They are often stocked in the canned goods section. Lastly, the avocado needed for the sauce is usually found in the fresh produce area.

Quinoa and Black Bean Tacos Ingredients

Olive oil: A must-have in any kitchen, used for sautéing the ingredients.

Red onion: Adds a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.

Garlic cloves: Provides a classic, robust flavor.

Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and gives a rich tomato flavor.

Quinoa: A super grain, packed with protein and adds a lovely texture.

Black beans: Adds protein and a rich, hearty flavor.

Avocado: Creamy and full of healthy fats, used in the making of the avocado sauce.

Limes: Gives a fresh tangy kick to the creamy avocado sauce.

Jalapeno: Adds a spicy touch to the meal.

Cilantro: Brings a fresh and aromatic flavor.

Corn tortillas: The base of the tacos, add a delightful crunch.

Romaine lettuce: Adds a fresh crunch and color to your tacos.

One reader, Eleanore Bosley says:

This quinoa black bean tacos with avocado sauce recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and the avocado sauce adds a creamy touch. It's a healthy and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. I love how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes. Highly recommended!

Eleanore Bosley

Cooking Techniques for Quinoa Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Sauce

How to sauté the onion and garlic: In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic with a dash of salt for 4 to 5 minutes, until the onions are softened and turning translucent.

How to cook quinoa: Add the rinsed quinoa and 1 cup of vegetable broth or water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the pot, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the quinoa from heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover the pot, drain off any excess liquid, and fluff the quinoa with a fork.

How to make avocado sauce: Combine the avocado, lime juice, jalapeno, cilantro, and salt in a food processor or blender. Blend well until smooth and season with salt, to taste.

How to warm tortillas: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the tortillas in a single layer, flipping halfway. Wrap the warmed tortillas with a lint-free tea towel until ready to serve.

How To Make Quinoa Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

Enjoy a simple yet flavorful weeknight dinner with these quinoa and black bean tacos with dairy-free avocado crema. They’re vegan and gluten-free too.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1Tbsp.olive oil
1cupred onionchopped
2garlic clovespressed or minced
3Tbsptomato paste
1tspground cumin
½tspground chili powder
½cup quinoa
1cupvegetable broth or water
1 canblack beans
½ tspsaltto taste
black pepperfreshly ground, to taste
1avocadosliced into long strips
2limesjuiced
1jalapeño
1fresh cilantro
¼tspsalt
8smallround corn tortillas certified gluten-free if necessary
1 ½ cups romaine lettuce

Optional garnishes:

jalapeños pickled or radishes
feta cheesecrumbled

Instructions

To make the filling, warm the olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic with a dash of salt for 4 to 5 minutes, until the onions are softened and turning translucent.
Add the tomato paste, cumin, and chili powder and sauté for another minute, stirring constantly.
Add the rinsed quinoa and 1 cup broth or water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the pot, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
Remove the quinoa from heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover the pot, drain off any excess liquid, and fluff the quinoa with a fork.
Stir in the drained black beans and add salt and pepper, to taste. Cover and set aside for a couple of minutes to warm up the beans.
To make the avocado sauce: Simply combine the ingredients as listed in a food processor or blender. Blend well and season with salt, to taste.
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the tortillas in a single layer, flipping halfway. Wrap the warmed tortillas with a lint-free tea towel until ready to serve.
To assemble the tacos, spread quinoa and black bean filling down the center of the tortilla, then top with a generous drizzle of avocado crema, a handful of chopped romaine, and any additional garnishes you’d like to add. Eat up!

Nutrition

Calories: 815.50kcal
Fat: 19.18g
Saturated Fat: 2.50g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.06g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.25g
Carbohydrates: 136.96g
Fiber: 19.97g
Sugar: 3.89g
Protein: 28.54g
Sodium: 903.06mg
Calcium: 164.02mg
Potassium: 1530.74mg
Iron: 10.12mg
Vitamin A: 262.58µg
Vitamin C: 19.00mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting the Avocado Sauce

When preparing the avocado sauce, it's important to remember that the texture can greatly impact the overall taste of your tacos. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend for a longer period of time. However, if you like a bit of texture in your sauce, pulse the ingredients in the blender or food processor until they are just combined. This will leave small chunks of avocado and jalapeno in the sauce, adding an extra layer of texture to your tacos. Also, always taste your sauce after blending. Depending on the ripeness of your avocado and the heat of your jalapeno, you may need to adjust the seasoning.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Quinoa Black Bean Tacos

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonder: Consider using a single pot to cook the quinoa and black bean filling to minimize cleanup.

Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the quinoa and black bean filling to use for multiple meals throughout the week.

Efficient assembly: Set up a taco assembly station with all the toppings and fillings ready to go for quick and easy taco preparation.

Utilize kitchen tools: Use a food processor or blender to quickly prepare the avocado sauce while the quinoa is cooking.

Substitute Ingredients For Quinoa Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

quinoa - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice has a similar nutty flavor and chewy texture, making it a suitable replacement for quinoa in the tacos.
black beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making them a great alternative to black beans in the tacos.
avocado - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a creamy and tangy element similar to avocado sauce, while also adding a protein boost to the dish.
romaine lettuce - Substitute with iceberg lettuce: Iceberg lettuce can provide a similar crisp and refreshing crunch to the tacos, making it a suitable replacement for romaine lettuce.
jalapeno - Substitute with green bell pepper: Green bell pepper can provide a mild heat and crunch similar to jalapeno, making it a suitable substitute in the recipe.

Plating Ideas for Quinoa Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Elevate the plating: When presenting the quinoa black bean tacos, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use clean lines and carefully arrange the components to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Incorporate microgreens: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the tacos with delicate microgreens. Their fresh and vibrant appearance will add a pop of color and a hint of sophistication to the presentation.
Utilize edible flowers: Introduce a touch of whimsy and beauty by incorporating edible flowers as a garnish. Choose flowers that complement the flavors and colors of the dish, such as nasturtiums or pansies.
Emphasize symmetry: Arrange the tacos in a symmetrical and balanced manner on the plate, creating a visually pleasing presentation that reflects precision and attention to detail.
Highlight the avocado sauce: Use a small squeeze bottle or a fine-tipped spoon to create artistic drizzles of the creamy avocado sauce around the plate, adding a touch of finesse to the overall presentation.
Consider the plate selection: Choose a plate that complements the colors of the dish, such as a simple white or earth-toned plate that allows the vibrant hues of the tacos and avocado sauce to stand out.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Introduce a textural element to the presentation by including a crunchy element, such as finely chopped toasted nuts or seeds, to provide a delightful contrast to the soft fillings of the tacos.
Emphasize the fresh ingredients: Showcase the freshness of the ingredients by arranging them in a way that highlights their natural beauty. Let the vibrant colors of the fresh produce take center stage in the presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Quinoa Black Bean Tacos

Medium-sized pot: A pot that is suitable for cooking the quinoa and black bean filling.
Skillet: A large skillet is used to warm the tortillas.
Food processor or blender: Used to make the avocado sauce.
Fork: Used to fluff the quinoa.
Tea towel: Used to wrap the warmed tortillas until ready to serve.

Storing and Freezing Instructions for Quinoa Black Bean Tacos

Let the quinoa black bean filling cool completely before storing or freezing.
Store leftover quinoa black bean filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Store leftover avocado sauce in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may brown slightly on top, but it will still be safe to eat. Give it a good stir before using.
To freeze the quinoa black bean filling, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Note: The avocado sauce does not freeze well due to the avocado's texture changing when frozen and thawed. It's best to make the sauce fresh when needed.
To reheat the quinoa black bean filling, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
Assemble the tacos with the reheated filling, fresh avocado sauce, and desired toppings just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How To Reheat Leftover Quinoa Black Bean Tacos

The best way to reheat leftover quinoa black bean tacos is to separate the components and reheat them individually. This will ensure that each part of the taco is heated evenly and maintains its optimal texture.
Start by removing any lettuce, avocado sauce, or cold toppings from the tacos. These ingredients are best served fresh and should be added back after reheating.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the corn tortillas on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
In a skillet or microwave-safe bowl, reheat the quinoa and black bean filling. If using a skillet, add a small amount of olive oil or water to prevent sticking and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If using a microwave, heat the filling in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
If you have any leftover avocado sauce, you can gently reheat it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can make a fresh batch of sauce to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Once all the components are heated, reassemble your tacos by placing the warm quinoa and black bean filling in the center of each tortilla. Top with fresh lettuce, avocado sauce, and any other desired toppings, such as jalapenos or feta cheese.
If you prefer a crispy taco shell, you can also reheat the assembled tacos in the oven. Place the assembled tacos on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the filling is heated through.
Serve your reheated quinoa black bean tacos immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures as if they were freshly made!

Interesting Trivia About Quinoa Black Bean Tacos

The quinoa black bean tacos recipe is a great source of plant-based protein, as both quinoa and black beans are high in protein. This makes it a nutritious and filling meal option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Budget-Friendly Quinoa Black Bean Tacos for Home Cooking

The cost-effectiveness of this quinoa black bean tacos with avocado sauce recipe is quite high. The main ingredients, such as quinoa and black beans, are affordable and nutritious. The addition of avocado and lime adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 9/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly and satisfying meal choice.

Are Quinoa Black Bean Tacos a Healthy Choice?

This quinoa black bean taco recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal. Here's why:

Quinoa is a protein-rich pseudocereal that provides essential amino acids and fiber
Black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals
Avocado sauce offers healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health
The recipe includes a variety of vegetables, such as onion, garlic, lettuce, and optional jalapenos, providing additional nutrients and antioxidants
Using corn tortillas instead of wheat tortillas makes the recipe gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Increase the amount of vegetables by adding diced bell peppers, tomatoes, or carrots to the quinoa and black bean filling for added fiber and nutrients
Replace the vegetable broth with low-sodium or homemade vegetable broth to reduce the overall sodium content
Use Greek yogurt instead of feta cheese as an optional garnish to increase protein and reduce saturated fat content
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as smoked paprika or oregano, to enhance flavor without relying on salt
Serve the tacos with a side salad or roasted vegetables to increase the overall nutrient density of the meal

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Quinoa Black Bean Taco Recipe

The quinoa black bean tacos with avocado sauce recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish that offers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The combination of quinoa and black beans provides a satisfying and nutritious filling, while the zesty avocado sauce adds a creamy and refreshing element. The recipe's use of fresh ingredients and bold flavors makes it a standout choice for a satisfying and wholesome meal. Whether you're a vegetarian or simply looking for a delicious meatless option, these tacos are sure to impress with their vibrant colors and delicious taste.

Enhance Your Quinoa Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Guacamole: Create a zesty guacamole with extra lime and cilantro for a refreshing side to complement the tacos.

Mango Salsa: Whip up a sweet and spicy mango salsa with jalapenos and red onion to add a tropical twist to your meal.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Serve up some charred and smoky grilled corn on the cob with a sprinkle of chili powder for a deliciously satisfying side dish.

Cilantro Lime Rice: Prepare a fragrant and tangy cilantro lime rice to add a burst of flavor to your taco dinner.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Quinoa Black Bean Tacos

Spicy Chicken Enchiladas: These spicy chicken enchiladas are packed with flavor and heat, perfect for those who love a little kick in their meals. The tender chicken and gooey cheese make for a satisfying and comforting dish.

Mango Salsa Fish Tacos: These mango salsa fish tacos are a refreshing and tropical twist on traditional fish tacos. The sweet and tangy mango salsa pairs perfectly with the flaky fish, creating a burst of flavors in every bite.

Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Compote: This butternut squash soup with apple compote is a cozy and comforting soup that's perfect for chilly days. The sweetness of the apple compote complements the earthy flavors of the butternut squash, creating a harmonious and delicious dish.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Quinoa Black Bean Tacos

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and crispy for a delicious bite-sized treat.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant and refreshing skewers featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a burst of sweet and tangy flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and creamy texture will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

Why trust this Quinoa Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining wholesome quinoa and hearty black beans with a zesty avocado sauce. The use of fresh lime juice and jalapeno adds a vibrant kick, while the inclusion of romaine lettuce provides a refreshing crunch. With a balanced blend of spices and the option to customize with jalapenos and feta cheese, this recipe promises a satisfying and nutritious meal. Trust in the quality and creativity of these ingredients to elevate your taco night experience.

Excited to try out this Quinoa Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Sauce recipe? Share your experience and any tweaks you made in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

What can I use as a substitute for quinoa in this recipe?

You can substitute quinoa with cooked brown rice, bulgur, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Can I make the avocado sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the avocado sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce to prevent browning.

Are there any alternative toppings I can use for these tacos?

Absolutely! You can customize your tacos with toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, pickled onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.

Can I use canned quinoa instead of cooking it from scratch?

Yes, you can use canned quinoa to save time. Just make sure to drain and rinse the quinoa before adding it to the recipe.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add more heat to the dish, you can increase the amount of ground chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the quinoa and black bean filling. You can also top the tacos with sliced jalapenos for an extra kick.