NorCal Homes Healthy Habits: March Edition
Driving home from the gym last night, I found myself stopped at a red light next to The Habit Burger Grill… and let me tell you, the smell of french fry goodness that filled my car was something straight out of Heaven. I didn’t stop, but I can feel the threat of culinary debauchery looming. SO, this month’s recipe is a healthy spin on one of my cheat day go-to’s… Chinese food(!), Fried Rice in particular. This recipe takes a binge-worthy favorite and substitutes quinoa instead of white rice, taking this side dish and making it balanced enough to be a meal in and of itself. Quinoa is hailed as a “super food” and is packed full of protein, unsaturated fats and essential vitamins and minerals. Some sources even claim it can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
So without further ado…
Quinoa Veggie “Fried Rice”
Prep Time 10 minutes | Cook Time 20 minutes | Total Time 30 minutes | Yield 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 carrots, peeled and grated
- 3 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sriracha, for serving
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over low heat. Add eggs and fry until cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side, flipping only once. Let cool before dicing into small pieces.
- Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add garlic and onion, and cook, stirring often, until onions have become translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add mushrooms, broccoli and zucchini. Cook, stirring constantly, until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add corn, peas, carrots and quinoa. Cook, stirring constantly, until heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add ginger and soy sauce, and gently toss to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, until heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in green onions and eggs.
- Serve immediately, drizzled with Sriracha, if desired.
Source: Damn Delicious
In the spirit of not letting moments of late-night weakness derail an otherwise successful day of working toward our lifestyle goals, this month’s workout is one you can do instead of going back for a “midnight” snack (or eating a hamburger in a dark parking lot by yourself).
