I made this delicious dinner tonight and it was so quick to put together that I was able to get all of the chopping and steps done during a half hour episode of Arthur! Being a parent, I love how most of the events throughout my day are measured by cartoon episodes on PBS. Once the closing music at the end of the cartoon comes on I get a little nervous because I know my time is almost up and my toddler is going to come running around the corner at me ready for me to quit working so I can play!
Well thank goodness for quick dinners! I was inspired to make this based on the veggies that I had in my fridge. I had bought a cabbage last week with the intent to do something with it quick. I forgot all about it so when I saw it I just wanted to get it used up and over with. Cabbage is not my favorite vegetable but the more often I use it the more I'm surprised by its versatility, like in my Cabbage Risotto. As long as you are plentiful with the seasonings, this dish's flavor is spot on. Also, I almost used ground beef in this recipe but decided at the last minute to use up a bottle of previously cooked lentils from my freezer along with some quinoa for some extra protein and I am SO glad I did. The flavor was not lacking yet the meal was quick to prepare and very satisfying!
Vegetarian Stir Fry
1 head cabbage, thinly sliced
Four carrots, 1/2" slices
1 bag pea pods
1 can or 1.5 cups cooked lentils, drained
1 cup quinoa
1 cup veggie (or your choice) stock
2 cloves garlic, minced
1" fresh ginger, grated
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame seed oil
1 Tbsp brown sugar
olive oil
Drizzle two tablespoons olive oil into the largest skillet you have, over medium heat. Add carrots and cabbage and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the pea pods, lentils, and garlic and stir; cook for another 1-2 mins. Next add quinoa and stock and cover with a lid. Turn stove to medium-low and cook for 10 mins.
Meanwhile, stir last three ingredients together in a bowl and set aside. After 10 mins take the lid off and taste to see if quinoa is cooked to your liking (there should still be slight "pop" between your teeth). Add seasonings and give it a good stir.
Serve and enjoy!
