Active Time

　　20 minutes

　　Total Time

　　45 minutes

　　Quinoa is a fast-cooking, protein-packed whole grain. Steamed, it makes a perfect partner for lime-spiked black beans and fresh tomato.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 (side dish) servings

　　2 teaspoons grated lime zest

　　2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

　　2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

　　1 tablespoon vegetable oil

　　1 teaspoon sugar

　　1 cup quinoa

　　1 (14- to 15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

　　2 medium tomatoes, diced

　　4 scallions, chopped

　　1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

　　

Step 1

Whisk together lime zest and juice, butter, oil, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4teaspoon pepper in a large bowl.

　　

Step 2

Wash quinoa in 3 changes of cold water in a bowl, draining in a sieve each time.

　　

Step 3

Cook quinoa in a medium pot of boiling salted water (1 tablespoon salt for 2 quarts water), uncovered, until almost tender, about 10 minutes. Drain in sieve, then set sieve in same pot with 1 inch of simmering water (water should not touch bottom of sieve). Cover quinoa with a folded kitchen towel, then cover sieve with a lid (don't worry if lid doesn't fit tightly) and steam over medium heat until tender, fluffy, and dry, about 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat and remove lid. Let stand, still covered with towel, 5 minutes.

　　

Step 4

Add quinoa to dressing and toss until dressing is absorbed, then stir in remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste.

　　

Nutrition Per Serving

Per serving: 382 calories

　　12 g fat (4 g saturated)

　　15 mg cholesterol

　　446 mg sodium

　　55 g carbohydrate

　　10 g fiber

　　14 g protein

　　#### Nutritional analysis provided by Nutrition Data

　　##### [See Nutrition Data's complete analysis of this recipe](http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/recipe/764961/2?mbid=HDEPI) ›