#23 Quinoa "Fried Rice"

We all know that Quinoa is a grain-like seed from South America quite commonly used all over the world. It's high nutritional value makes it a staple in my pantry. I wake up from an afternoon siesta on a quiet Saturday and decide I would like to eat some fried rice for dinner. Since I am trying to go "low-carb" I have to compensate the rice with something that has more protein so here's what I do--- I find a small pack of Quinoa in my pantry, and I whisk up this quick dish.  It turns out to be very similar to Chinese Fried rice, except that instead of "rice" I have used the cooked Quinoa. It has a nutty and delicious taste, but I had to cook it for at least 15 minutes.

Ingredients:
3/4 cups quinoa, rinsed
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tblspn corn oil
1 carrot chopped
1 red bell pepper,cored and chopped
1/2 cup frozen green peas
1/2 cup snow peas
1 stalk green onions cut up
2 tsp grated ginger
2 cloves grated garlic
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 egg beaten
1 green chile
1 chicken breast, chopped fine
1/2 cup cilantro and mint chopped
1 Tblspn soy sauce

Method:
1. Place quinoa in a small saucepan with 3/4 cup water and 1/4 tspn salt. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for about 15 mins until cooked dry.
2. Remove from fire and fluff with fork, keep aside.
3. Heat the oil in a large wok over medium heat and cook the carrots until softened. Add bell pepper, green peas, snow peas ginger, garlic and chile stir fry for about 2 mins adding salt and pepper. Remove veggies from wok to a plate.
4. To the hot wok, add chicken with 1 Tblsn oil and stir fry until cooked. Add quinoa along with beaten egg and stir constantly until egg is cooked evenly.
5. Add vegetables, green onions/scallions, cilantro and soy sauce cook for a minute or two. Remove from fire and enjoy.

The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another.  ~James Matthew Barrie