Glorious Greens Recipe: Kale, Onion and Mushroom “Fried Quinoa”

Happy New Year! I cooked blissfully and often during my two-week break from office life and took lots of pictures to share with you! I’ve received requests from friends and clients alike to help them whip up simple and healthy recipes, which is the only way I like it.

First up: one of my favorite dishes to make for dinner. Why? Obvi b/c it’s quick and simple and doesn’t take too much effort after a 12-hr workday, but also b/c it’s packed with leafy greens, fiber-rich quinoa and the magical disease-fighting combo of onions and mushroom.

If kale isn’t your jam or you haven’t decided if you like quinoa yet, you can easily swap in baby spinach and brown rice or any other green/grain combo that you prefer. But this is my fave hands down.

Ingredients

1 bunch kale, stems removed OR 1 bag kale, leaves sliced into strips

1 sweet onion, diced

1 tbs minced garlic OR 3-4 garlic cloves, sliced

1 package button mushrooms, sliced

1-2 tbs extra virgin olive oil (it should cover the bottom of the pan when heated)

1 tbs sesame oil or to taste

2-3 tbs soy sauce or to taste

1 pinch sea salt or Himalayan pink salt

1 ½ cups uncooked quinoa

1 tbs ghee or unsalted organic butter

3 cups water

Optional add-ins

Hummus: I like garlic or red pepper varieties

Authentic Greek feta cheese made from sheep/goat milk

1 avocado

Gomasio seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Place quinoa in a small colander and rinse under cold water, then add to a medium pot

2. Fill pot with 3 cups water and ghee or butter

3. Bring to boil on high flame and cook uncovered for 5 mins

4. Turn off flame, cover and let steam for 15 mins. Quinoa should be slightly translucent when done. Set aside

5. In a large pan, heat olive oil until hot on medium flame and add onions and garlic

6. Sauté until onions begin to soften, then add mushrooms cook until onions are caramelized and mushrooms are soft (mushrooms not pictured)

7. Add kale and cover sauté; adjust heat to medium-low flame

8. Let steam for 5-8 minutes, mixing often. Kale should be wilted and soft by the end.

9. Turn flame to low and add quinoa, then season with salt, sesame oil and soy sauce. Mix on low heat for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from flame

10. Optional add-ins: I like to mix in slices of avocado and feta and serve with hummus on the side for extra flavor and protein, then sprinkle with gomasio

Chew and enjoy!

xo Saranna