Black Bean-Cauliflower “Rice” Bowl

This aromatic cauliflower rice bowl comes together in minutes and is a simple meal for one. Using frozen riced cauliflower instead of rice reduces the carb content—and makes for quicker prep.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil plus 2 tsp., divided
1 cup frozen cauliflower rice
⅛ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons chopped green bell pepper
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
⅔ cup no-salt-added canned black beans, rinsed
2 tablespoons chopped roasted red pepper
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon lime juice
¼ cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Step 1
Defrost lime if necessary. Pre-roast red pepper. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add cauliflower rice and salt; cook, stirring often, until heated through, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and keep warm. Wipe out the pan.

Step 2
Heat the remaining 2 tsp. oil in the pan over medium heat. Add onion, green pepper, chili powder, cumin, and oregano; cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened, about 3 minutes. Add beans, roasted red pepper, and water; bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in lime juice.

 Step 3
Arrange the bean mixture with the hot cauliflower rice in a dinner bowl. Top with cheese and tomato. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.

NOTES FROM OTHERS:
– This recipe is my new addiction. It is fantastic as is, but also, so easy to add and customize. I sometimes add frozen corn and red pepper flakes. I make a huge pot of the bean mixture and freeze individual portions. Then when I want a quick dinner all I have to do is fry up the cauliflower rice and microwave the beans. Hubby likes the bean mixture with tortilla chips. Thanks for a great recipe.

– Absolutely delicious healthy vegetarian meal! I didn’t have roasted red pepper and lime, so I omitted those two ingredients. I substituted fresh red bell pepper for the green as it was what I had. I added chopped garlic.

– Love it!!! Easy, delicious recipe I made for lunch today. Added some extra spices to the rice like cajun. I also added shrimp. Thanks!

Black Bean Quesadillas

In a hurry? These satisfying quesadillas take just 15 minutes to make. We like them with black beans, but pinto beans work well too. Serve with: A little sour cream and a mixed green salad.
Serves 4

Ingredients
1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, preferably pepper Jack
1/2 cup prepared fresh salsa*, divided
4 8-inch whole-wheat tortillas
2 teaspoons canola oil, divided
1 ripe avocado, diced

nutritional yeast
egg – to scramble with ingredients

Step 1
Combine beans, cheese** (or add add N.yeast & scrambled egg).  Place tortillas on a work surface and 1/4 cup salsa in a medium bowl.  Spread 1/2 cup filling on half of each tortilla. Fold tortillas in half, pressing gently to flatten.

Step 2
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 quesadillas and cook, turning once, until golden on both sides, 2 to 4 minutes total. Transfer to a cutting board and tent with foil to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and quesadillas. Serve the quesadillas with avocado and the remaining salsa.

TIPS:
* Fresh tomato Salsa for 10 – can mix 3 days ahead
Ingredients
4 cups diced tomatoes, (5-6 medium)
3/4 cup finely diced red onion, (about 1 small)
¼ cup red-wine vinegar
1-2 jalapenos, seeded and minced
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
½ teaspoon salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper, or more to taste

** instead of cheese try adding nutritional yeast to mix and then an egg scrambled with chives added (to hold it together) or a little besan flour then lightly saute.