Mexican in a bowl

19 May, 2020

An image of nutrient-rich vegetarian Mexican bow

Start autumn with a balance of nutrients in a heart-warming bowl.

Why it’s good for you

This is a quick, easy dinner. As an added bonus you can reheat the bean mix for lunch the next day. It has a great balance of protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and different coloured vegetables that provide a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Protein and fibre can help fill you up and manage hunger pangs while the B vitamins support energy release. Using wholegrains such as brown rice and quinoa keeps this meal low GI to help achieve a consistent sustained energy release. This is an excellent way to get 2.5-3 serves of vegetables and this recipe meets more than the daily requirements of fibre in just one meal!

Uncooked portion

1 cup grated carrot (1 large carrot)
2 cups spinach
1 medium tomato chopped
1 medium avocado sliced or mashed
125g tin of corn, drained
1 lime
1 handful coriander (10g)

2 tsp of Greek yoghurt
Pinch of salt
½ - 1 tsp chilli flakes
1 tsp ground coriander
1 medium red capsicum cut in slices
1 x 250g packet of microwave quinoa/brown
rice mix

Cooked portion

400g Mexican bean mix/four bean mix, drained
400g whole peeled Italian tomatoes, drained
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp garlic powder

Method

1. Add Mexican beans, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, ground coriander and chilli flakes to a frypan and brown for a few minutes.
2. Add tin of tomatoes and capsicum and simmer until the capsicum is soft.
3. While the mix is simmering, cook the quinoa/rice as per the packet instructions. Divide the mix between two bowls.
4. Then add the cooked bean mix, grated carrot, spinach, fresh tomato, avocado equally between the two bowls.
5. Top with a squeeze of lime, pinch of salt, coriander and a dollop of Greek yoghurt and enjoy!

All information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only. The information provided should not be relied upon as medical advice and does not supersede or replace a consultation with a suitably qualified healthcare professional