Vegetable Fried Quinoa

[kirra]

Vegetable Fried Quinoa

Quinoa is a species of goosefoot (Chenopodium) grown as a crop primarily for its edible seeds. It is a pseudocereal rather than a true cereal as it is not a grass. Its leaves are also eaten as a leaf vegetable, much like amaranth. The Incas, who held the crop to be sacred, referred to quinoa as "chisaya mama" or "mother of all grains", and it was the Inca emperor who would traditionally sow the first seeds of the season using 'golden implements'.

In contemporary times this crop has come to be highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (12%–18%). Unlike wheat or rice (which are low in lysine), quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete food. This means it takes less quinoa protein to meet one's needs than wheat protein. It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is gluten free and considered easy to digest. You can find quinoa in large grocery stores, or health food stores.

Note: Most quinoa bought from bulk bins needs to be rinsed well to remove the soapy outer coating. If you're not sure whether or not your quinoa needs to be rinsed, rinse it anyway. Pour it into a fine mesh strainer and stir it as you run water through it for at least 2 minutes.

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ginger root, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fat-free vegetable broth
12 ounces bok choy -- about 6 stalks or 5-6 cups chopped
1 cup diced carrot
1 cup diced mushrooms
3 ounces firm tofu
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon black vinegar (or rice vinegar)

Preparation:

Put the quinoa, water, salt, and 1 clove chopped garlic into a medium-sized pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 15-20 minutes.

While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash each stalk of bok choy then cut it in two about where the leaves begin. Set the bottom white stalk aside and save for another use. Chop the remaining stalk and greens into bite-sized pieces.

Spray a large, deep skillet or wok with cooking spray and heat it. Assemble the vegetables nearby, along with the vegetable broth and a tablespoon. When the skillet is hot, add the ginger root, garlic, and carrots and stir-fry for about 1 minute. Add about 1 tablespoon of the broth and continue to cook and stir for another 2 minutes, adding another splash of broth if the garlic starts to stick or dry out. Add the mushrooms and another tablespoon of broth, and cook another 2 minutes. Add the bok choy and 2 tablespoons of broth, stir, and cover. Cook until the bok choy is tender but still bright green, just a few minutes.

Crumble the tofu into the vegetable mixture. Mix the soy sauce and vinegar with the remaining broth and pour it over the tofu. Stir and cook for 1 or 2 minutes, just enough to heat the tofu.

Fluff the cooked quinoa and add it to the vegetables. Mix well, and cook until heated through. Serve with additional soy sauce, hot mustard, or chili sauce at the table. Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Info:
Per serving: 213 Calories (kcal);
4g Total Fat; (15% calories from fat);
10g Protein;
37g Carbohydrate;
0mg Cholesterol;
515mg Sodium;
5g Fiber.
Weight Watchers Core / 4 Flex Points.