Caribbean Quinoa Timbale with Mild Jerk, Roasted Pineapple, and Coconut Black Beans

Instructions

1. 1

   1. Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. In a bowl, mix the ground cinnamon, dried thyme, sweet paprika, garlic powder, grated ginger, lime zest, 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt, black pepper, 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, and red pepper flakes if using.

2. 2

   2. Place the quinoa in a saucepan with 480 ml (2 cups) water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and toss with half of the mild jerk seasoning from step 1.

3. 3

   3. On a baking tray, toss the pineapple with the brown sugar, 5 ml (1 tsp) lime juice, and 5 ml (1 tsp) olive oil. Roast for 18 to 20 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, stirring once halfway through, until golden around the edges.

4. 4

   4. Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sauté half of the red onion, the garlic, and the sweet pepper for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.

5. 5

   5. Add the black beans, coconut milk, the remaining mild jerk seasoning, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt. Cook over medium-low heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. 6

   6. Stir half of the scallion and half of the cilantro into the black beans. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Remove from the heat.

7. 7

   7. In a small bowl, combine the remaining red onion with the avocado, remaining scallion, remaining cilantro, and a few drops of lime juice to keep the avocado fresh.

8. 8

   8. To assemble, place a ring mold or measuring cup on each plate. Make a first layer of quinoa, then a layer of coconut black beans, and finish with a layer of roasted pineapple. Press gently and remove the mold.

9. 9

   9. Top each timbale with the avocado, red onion, scallion, and cilantro mixture. Serve immediately while warm, with the remaining lime juice spooned over if desired.