Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quinoa Bowls Recipe
A vibrant and nutritious Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quinoa Bowl, featuring roasted spiced sweet potatoes, fluffy red quinoa seasoned with aromatic spices, topped with black beans and a creamy cilantro lime drizzle. This wholesome dish is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner and combines plant-based protein with delicious Southwestern flavors.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Roasted Sweet Potato
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Quinoa
- 3/4 cup red quinoa
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of half a lime
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Cilantro Cream Drizzle
- 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon agave nectar or honey
- Juice of half a lime
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Pinch of chili powder
Other
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- Cilantro for garnishing
- Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potato: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Roast Sweet Potato: Toss the peeled and diced sweet potato pieces in the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and kosher salt until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork tender and lightly browned.
- Cook Quinoa: Rinse and drain the red quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitterness. Place it in a medium saucepan with 1 3/4 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
- Season Quinoa: Remove the quinoa from the heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, lime juice, and chopped cilantro for bright, fresh flavor.
- Make Cilantro Cream Drizzle: In a blender, combine the plain non-fat Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, agave nectar or honey, lime juice, pinch of salt, garlic powder, and chili powder. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the seasoned quinoa evenly among 2 or 3 serving bowls. Top each bowl with a scoop of black beans, followed by the roasted sweet potatoes. Drizzle generously with the cilantro cream sauce and garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- The sweet potato roasting time may vary slightly depending on the size of the dice; check tenderness with a fork.
- Red quinoa has a slightly nuttier flavor than white quinoa but either can be used.
- The cilantro cream drizzle can be adjusted in sweetness and spice to taste by altering the honey/agave and chili powder amounts.
- To make it vegan, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: sweet potato bowl, black bean quinoa bowl, healthy quinoa bowl, vegetarian quinoa recipe, roasted sweet potato, cilantro lime drizzle