Thai Quinoa

Dave and I trying REALLY hard to be healthier eaters. We've cut out most added sugars and fats from our everyday diets.  Of course we won't give up amazingly rich foods and desserts, but we will try to limit ourselves to one "fun" meal per week.

....but what we discovered the past few weeks is that healthy food can be fun too!   Take this Thai-style quinoa for example.  Nice and flavorful, and filling as well.

Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained (we used red quinoa)
1 cup lite coconut milk
1 cup chicken broth (note: next time Dave and I will try 1.5 cups coconut milk and .5 cups broth)
2 green onions, chopped
1 Tablespoon microplaned or minced ginger
2 teaspoons minced garlic (I really like garlic, so I used a full tablespoon)
1 cup frozen peas (we didn't have peas, so I used frozen sugar snap peas)
1-8oz can pineapple tidbits, drained (we didn't have this, so I cubed up a mango)
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (haha, we also didn't have this, so it was omitted)
2 eggs
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
juice of half a lime
chopped peanuts (optional)

Directions:
1. Place rinsed quinoa in a saucepan over high heat. Add coconut milk and chicken broth, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, place a lid on top, turn the heat down to medium-low, and cook until all the liquid has been absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 15-20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and spray with non-stick spray. Add green onions, ginger, and garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly as to not burn the garlic.

3. Add peas, pineapple tidbits, and cilantro and cook for 1 additional minute.

4. Push the ingredients to the sides of the wok to create a clear space in the center. Whisk the eggs together in a small bowl, then pour into the wok. Stir with a spatula until the eggs are scrambled, then stir to combine with the rest of the ingredients.

5. Add cooked quinoa, soy sauce and lime juice to the wok, and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute or two, or until the quinoa begins to crisp up. Serve with optional chopped peanuts on top.

Yum! Any foods that we deem "healthy" will get a "healthy" tag on the blog.  To me, that means low cal, no added sugars, and the good-for-you fats.  Also, I will try to add some nutritional info.  Here's what this recipe racks up (as prepared, split into 4 servings- with peanuts):

Calories: 372
Fat: 15g (if you omit peanuts, subtract 5g)
Cholesterol: 86mg
Sodium: 601mg
Carbs: 45g
Fiber: 5.8g
Protein: 15g

Recipe from: Iowa Girl Eats