Black-Bean & Tomato Quinoa

Quinoa (pronounced "keen-wa" ) is a a fast-cooking, protein-packed whole grain. This is a healthy and great tasting dish. Also, it is great for adding extras like avocado, corn, bell peppers or whatever you have on-hand that sounds good.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Yields: 4 side dish servings

Ingredients

• 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 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2  medium tomatoes, diced
• 4  scallions, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Whisk together lime zest and juice, butter, oil, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl.
2. Wash quinoa in 3 changes of cold water in a bowl, draining in a sieve each time.
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.
4. Drain in sieve, then set sieve in same pot with 1 inch of simmering water (water should not touch bottom of sieve).
5. 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.
6. Remove pot from heat and remove lid.
7. Let stand, still covered with towel, 5 minutes.
8. Add quinoa to dressing and toss until dressing is absorbed, then stir in remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste.