Black Bean & Quinoa Power Bowl (Plant-Based Protein)
A hearty plant-based bowl with black beans, quinoa, roasted sweet potato, and avocado. 22g protein, 520 kcal. Complete amino acid profile without meat.
Black Bean & Quinoa Power Bowl (Plant-Based Protein)
A hearty plant-based bowl with black beans, quinoa, roasted sweet potato, and avocado. 22g protein, 520 kcal. Complete amino acid profile without meat.
Nutrition Per Serving
Need different macros? Use our free Calorie & Macro Calculator
Ingredients
- 140g (dry) Quinoa
- 240g (drained) Black beans (canned)
- 200g (1 medium) Sweet potato
- ½ Avocado
- 80g Corn kernels
- 1 Lime
- 1 tsp Cumin
- ½ tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro
Instructions
-
1
Cook quinoa
Rinse quinoa, cook in 280ml water for 15 minutes until fluffy and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
-
2
Roast sweet potato
Cube sweet potato, toss with olive oil, cumin, and smoked paprika. Roast at 200°C/400°F for 20-25 minutes until caramelized.
-
3
Warm beans
Heat black beans in a small pan with a squeeze of lime and a pinch of cumin until warmed through.
-
4
Assemble bowls
Divide quinoa between bowls. Top with roasted sweet potato, black beans, corn, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze lime over everything.
The Ultimate Plant-Based Protein Bowl
This black bean quinoa bowl proves that plant-based eating doesn't mean sacrificing protein or flavor. With 22g of complete protein from the quinoa-bean combination, it delivers all the essential amino acids your body needs — no meat required.
The caramelized roasted sweet potato adds natural sweetness, the black beans bring earthy depth, and the avocado provides creamy richness. At 520 calories with excellent fiber content, this bowl keeps you full for hours and supports digestive health. It's proof that the best vegetarian meals aren't about replacing meat — they're about celebrating plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a complete protein?
Yes! Quinoa is one of the few plant foods that contains all 9 essential amino acids. Combined with black beans, this bowl provides a complete amino acid profile comparable to meat.
How can I boost the protein further?
Add crumbled tofu (+8g per 100g), a handful of pumpkin seeds (+7g per 30g), or a side of Greek yogurt (+10g per 100g). For a vegan option, blend silken tofu into a lime crema.
Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. Quinoa, beans, and roasted sweet potato store perfectly for 4-5 days. Add avocado and cilantro fresh when serving.
Can I substitute the sweet potato?
Butternut squash is the closest swap — cube and roast the same way. Roasted cauliflower or beets also work well but change the flavor profile significantly.
How do I store leftover avocado?
Press plastic wrap directly onto the cut surface, keeping the pit in, and refrigerate. A squeeze of lime juice on the flesh also slows browning. It keeps well for 1-2 days this way.
Did you make this recipe?
Please let us know how it turned out for you! Share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #aimealplan.
Reviews
Leave a Review
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
