Spicy Quinoa with Black Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes

This semester has been crazy for me.  Between school, work, and attempting to maintain a social life, there doesn't seem to be any time for the gym or to prepare healthy meals.  Now that I have the tough mudder coming up, I need to get back on that fitness bandwagon and whip my booty into shape.  This recipe started as a mash up of foods already sitting in my pantry and ended up awesome. It's ridiculously easy, and although I ate it as a main dish, it would be equally great as a side dish to add some color to your plate.  The cheese is optional, but in the words of Julia Child, "you can leave it out...but you'll regret it"

-recipe after the jump-

Spicy Quinoa with Black Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes

1 tbsp Olive Oil

1 Onion, chopped

3-4 cloves Garlic, minced

3/4 C Quinoa

1 1/2 C Chicken broth

1 tsp Ground Cumin

1/2 tsp Chili Pepper (less if you want less spicy)

1 can Black Beans

1/2 can Whole Kernel Corn

1/2 can Diced Tomatoes

Grated cheddar cheese

Salt and Pepper to Taste

1) Saute onions and garlic in olive oil a saucepan until onions are translucent

2) Stir in quinoa followed by the chicken broth.  Add cumin, chili pepper, salt, and pepper.  Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and let simmer for about 20 minutes or until stock is taken up.

3) Stir in black beans, corn, and tomatoes and continue to cook until hot throughout

4) Garnish with cheddar cheese and serve

*FYI it's pronounced keen-wah, not qui-no-ah....even though that would make WAY MORE SENSE