Vegetarian Quinoa Fried Rice

Servings: Recipe yields 2 large portions

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry quinoa
• 1.5 cups vegetable broth or water
• 2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1-2 cups fresh or frozen veggies: peas, carrots, onion + broccoli
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Rinse a cup of quinoa in a mesh sieve/strainer, drain, and allow to dry on a few sheets of paper towels.
2. Drying time will vary, I usually rinse, strain, and just walk away.
3. Once dry, toss quinoa into a pot and allow it to toast on medium heat for just a minute or so, while stirring. You don’t quite want to brown it, just a light toasting.
4. Next add 1.5 cups of water [or chicken/veggie broth!] to your quinoa and bring to a boil.
5. Once the bubbles start flying, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 12 minutes. Remove lid, fluff with a fork, and set aside. If it’s still a little liquid-y let it simmer for another minute or so until it’s nice and fluffy.
6. While you’re waiting for the quinoa to simmer to fluffy perfection, prep your veggies!
7. I used frozen peas, fresh baby carrots, and fresh broccoli since it’s what I had on hand. Any combo of veggies, frozen or fresh will work!
8. To get them all ready for frying, I blanched (boiled) chopped broccoli florets, diced carrots, and whole peas in about an inch of water in a small frying pan.
9. Cook the veggies until tender and drain.
10. Add a little oil or butter and garlic into the skillet with the veggies and stir frequently.
11. By now the quinoa should be ready… toss it into the skillet with the veggies along with the soy sauce.
12. Season to taste and pan fry for a few more minutes.
13. Serve hot with a side of soy sauce and sweet chili sauce if you have it.

Source: https://peasandcrayons.com/2011/07/quinoa-fried-rice.html