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Flavorful Nye Snacks Dinner Bowl Recipe with Black Bean & Corn Mix

Flavorful Nye Snacks Dinner Bowl - featured image

A quick and easy dinner bowl featuring a smoky black bean and sweet corn mix seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and fresh lime juice. Perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or meal prep, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser with vibrant textures and bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked black beans or one 15 oz (425 g) can, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen (defrosted) sweet corn kernels
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa (optional base)
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, crunchy tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain the canned black beans well. Dice the red bell pepper and finely chop the red onion and garlic. If using fresh corn, remove kernels from the cob.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add the chopped red onion and garlic to the pan. Stir frequently until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the diced bell pepper and corn kernels. Cook until tender with slightly charred spots, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add the black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine and warm through for about 5 minutes without mashing the beans.
  6. Remove the pan from heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle chopped cilantro. Stir gently to brighten flavors.
  7. Spoon the black bean and corn mix over cooked rice or quinoa. Top with optional add-ons like sliced avocado, shredded cheese, or sour cream.

Notes

Do not rush sautéing onions and garlic to unlock sweetness. Stir gently after adding black beans to keep them intact. Avoid overcooking corn to maintain crunch. Add a splash of water or broth if beans seem dry. Lime juice added at the end brightens flavors. Optional smoked paprika or chipotle powder can add smoky depth. Can be customized with protein additions or grain alternatives like cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: black bean, corn, dinner bowl, quick recipe, easy dinner, vegetarian, gluten-free, healthy, weeknight meal