Quinoa with Tofu; Fried style

Quinoa, a complete protein and part of the grain family has been increasing in popularity over the years; especially in the vegetarian world. Containing both soluble and non-soluble fiber, quinoa has reached its popularity thanks to the high nutritional value of the grain. Originally a food found in high altitudes typically in Peruvian lands, quinoa provides our body with all the essential amino acids making this food a super food in my opinion.  

                                               

This dish was inspired with the idea of fried rice in mind. Every time I go to an Asian restaurant fried rice is at the top of the menu. Containing things like egg, lots of butter, oil, and some kind of meat; fried rice falls under the not so healthy choices of a menu. However this recipe I'm about to share with you happens to be 100% vegan, contains a lot of great vegetables and has a great tasting outcome.

Feel free to add any other of your favorite vegetables to the mix; don’t be afraid to experiment with food. Remember true love is free!

2 servings

430 kcals/serving 

Ingredients: 

- 6oz of Extra Firm Tofu

- 1 cup of cooked Quinoa (quinoa is cooked just like rice; 1:2 ratio)

- 1/4 cup unsalted sliced almonds

- 1 medium carrot cut into small squares

- ½ cup of diced mushrooms

- 2 cups of spinach

- ½ cups of diced onion

- 2 small peppers (use a green and red for added color)

-1 lime

- 3 tbsp of soy sauce low sodium

- 2 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Recommended Spices

-         Garlic powder

-         Pepper flakes

-         Salt

-         Pepper

Make the Magic:

Note:  For added flavor you can cook the Quinoa in two cups of vegetable broth instead of water. This will add the flavor of the vegetables to the actual grain. I would recommend an organic low sodium broth.

Once the Quinoa has been cooked remove from heat and add salt, pepper, carrots, mushrooms, onions, almonds, and peppers then cover. By adding the vegetables at the end you allow them to keep more of the vital enzymes and vitamins that vegetables contain. This way your body can take advantage of the vegetable to the max.

In another pan place 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and let it get hot. Put the tofu (previously cut into rectangles or squares) in the oil and stir fry for a couple of minutes. If you notice that the tofu starts absorbing most of the oil and it starts to dry add a splash of water or vegetable broth. (Remember a little goes a long way.)

After you have cooked the tofu add the quinoa and stir, follow by adding the soy sauce to the mix. Once everything has been mixed together add the lime juice and season with pepper flakes to taste. Remember to keep your stove at low temperatures; that way your vegetables can stay crunchy. After everything is well incorporated remove from heat, add the spinach and mix again.

Voila your guilt less fried rice style quinoa is ready to serve!