Mexican Power Bowl

🥘 Ingredients

• dried black beans 2 ½ cups
• low-sodium vegetable broth 7 cups
• large onion 1
• garlic 6 cloves
• ground cumin 2 tsp
• dried Mexican oregano 1 tsp
• smoked paprika 1 tsp
• bay leaf 1
• salt 1 ½ tsp
• fresh lime juice 2 Tbsp
• sweet potatoes 5 large
• vegetable broth or water 3 Tbsp
• chili powder 4 tsp
• ground cumin 1 ½ tsp
• smoked paprika 1 ½ tsp
• garlic powder 1 ½ tsp
• dried oregano 1 ½ tsp
• salt 1 ¼ tsp
• black pepper ¼ tsp
• corn tortillas 10
• lime juice 1 Tbsp
• salt ½ tsp
• raw pepitas 1 cup
• salt ¼ tsp
• cumin ¼ tsp
• spinach 8 cups
• cooked quinoa 4 cups
• salsa 1 cup
• sliced avocado 1
• freshly chopped cilantro 1 bunch
• diced red onion 1
• wedge of fresh lime 1

1. 1

   Combine the dried black beans , low-sodium vegetable broth , diced large onion , minced garlic , ground cumin , dried Mexican oregano , smoked paprika and bay leaf in a slow cooker .
2. 2

   Cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3.5 to 4 ½ hours , until beans are tender.
3. 3

   Stir in salt and fresh lime juice . Remove bay leaf. Mash about 1 cup of beans against the side of the pot for a creamier sauce. Cool completely.
4. 4

   Preheat oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. 5

   Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large bowl . Toss with vegetable broth or water (as liquid binder), then toss thoroughly with the dry seasoning mix: chili powder , ground cumin , smoked paprika , garlic powder , dried oregano , salt , and black pepper .
6. 6

   Spread cubes in a single, uncrowded layer across baking sheets. Roast for 40 minutes , flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized. Cool completely.
7. 7

   Option A: Cut corn tortillas into strips. Toss with lime juice and salt . Bake at 375°F for 12 minutes .
8. 8

   Option B: Toast raw pepitas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and toss with salt and cumin .
9. 9

   Place 1 cup of spinach (or mixed greens) and 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice) in a container. Add 1/2 cup seasoned black beans and 1/2 cup roasted sweet potatoes. Add your favorite salsa .
10. 10

    Top with your chosen crunchy topping and fresh additions right before eating: sliced avocado , freshly chopped cilantro , diced red onion , or a wedge of fresh lime .