Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 of a large onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 2 red bell peppers chopped
- 2 jalapeños seeded + chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- a good pinch of cayenne pepper more or less to your taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups cooked quinoa use 2 1/12 cups for a larger dish
- 2 cups cooked black beans rinsed and drained if using canned (or mixed beans)
- 1 can of drained jackfruits or 2 cups of fresh jackfruits
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 cup veggie broth
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1/3 cup pepper jack cheese shredded
- 1/3 cup cashew cheese, vegan cheese or sharp white cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup fontina cheese shredded
- 1 cup water - optional
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup fresh coriander
- 500g grape tomatoes halved
- 1 avocado diced or sliced
- 1 head butter lettuce chopped
- vegan or regular feta cheese crumbled
- blue or yellow corn tortilla chips
Method:
- Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease an 8x8 or 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Once hot, add the oil and then the onions, garlic, red bell peppers and jalapeños, cook 5 minutes or until the veggies are soft. To the skillet add the chilli powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, pepper, salt and cayenne pepper. Add jackfruits and let the spices soak in. Stir in the tomato paste and continue to cook 1 minute. Stir the quinoa and black beans, mix well.
- Add the lime juice and water. Simmer for around 5 minutes. Stir in the tortilla chips, pepper jack cheese or cheese of your choice and some fresh chopped cilantro if desired. Transfer the quinoa to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes and then turn the broiler on and broil for 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and top with fresh coriander, grape tomatoes, diced avocado and tortilla chips. Serve!
History / Benefits:
'Warm and cozy' is an understatement when it comes to this Winter comfort healthy food recipe. As soon as the temperature starts to drop, this is one of my go-to favourite recipes to make for the family or friends to share at BBQs. Quinoa is full of nutrients and antioxidants, beans contain a lot of fibre for gut health and avocados increase the healthy fats in this dish - this comfort food is a yummy, healthy option during cozy, cold evenings. For anyone who has not tried to cook with jackfruits yet, they also add a nice texture to the dish. Some people, including vegans and vegetarians enjoy jackfruit as the texture reminds them of slow cooked meat.
