Quinoa with Black Beans

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) may sound a little unusual, but once you make it once you will be hooked.  Especially if you are looking for healthy alternatives to starches.  Quinoa is actually a seed and is a complete protein.  Use it instead of rice, add it to salads, the list really goes on and on.  It is healthy and filling!  I plan to post other recipes using quinoa soon.

Anyway, I served this side dish with the shrimp and sausage skewers from the other night.  It was very good.

Quinoa with Black Beans

1/2 a red onion, chopped very finely

1 tsp olive oil

1 cup Quinoa, rinsed

1.25 cups water

1/2 a can black beans, rinsed and drained

Saute the onion in oil until tender.  Add the water and bring to a boil.  Add quinoa, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 12 minutes.  Let stand about 5 minutes, fluff, add black beans.

Serves 4.