Since cutting back on our meat consumption, I have been looking for a way to make our weekly fajita night meat-free too. A few times I tried throwing extra vegetables into the roasting pan, but Andy and I both still felt they lacked filler – something that was healthy, but made us feel full. Since quinoa is packed with protein, I developed a quinoa-black bean fajita filler that’s flavorful and easy to make. Instead of using olive oil or another flavorless oil, I used virgin coconut oil. I used it because I love coconut and its flavor really works here. But I also used coconut oil because I’ve been learning about its health benefits. If you can’t find coconut oil, any other mild flavored oil will work fine.

These were a huge success!

Quinoa-Black Bean Fajita Filling with Cilantro and Lime

Serves 4

Wrap this quinoa-black bean filling in flour tortillas and serve with your choice of all the usual fajita toppings: sliced avocado
, tomatoes, sour cream
, grated cheese, sliced red onion, hot pepper sauce.

1 cup quinoa
Salt
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 large garlic cloves
1 large handful of cilantro leaves, about a cup
¼ cup fresh lime juice
Ground black pepper
¼ cup extra virgin coconut oil

Bring 2 cups of water, the quinoa, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Along with black beans, place quinoa into a serving bowl.

Meanwhile, mince garlic and cilantro in food processor. Add lime juice and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper; process to combine. Add coconut oil; process again to combine. Because quinoa is like a sponge and absorbs the dressing quickly, toss the quinoa and black beans with the dressing right before serving for boldest flavor. Serve warm.