Tag: quinoa

Vegan Pineapple-Cashew-Quinoa Stir-Fry

Vegan Pineapple-Cashew-Quinoa Stir-Fry
Vegan Pineapple-Cashew-Quinoa Stir-Fry

As part of my New Year’s resolution to cook more new things I have gone back to my cookbooks. The Veganomicon is still one of my favorites, especially for inspiration. I love to page through it and soak up ideas to be turned into food at a later date. However, sometimes you just need to good from a recipe. This delightful pineapple quinoa stir fry is just such a recipe. I have made a few minor changes based on what I had in the house and the recipe below reflects those changes.

This is a lightly fruity stir-fry balanced by the saltiness of the cashews and has the pop of fresh herbs. This can be a main dish or a side depending on your goals. I served only four people as a side last time I made this, but we are all big eaters.

Vegan Pineapple-Cashew-Quinoa Stir-Fry

Originally from The Veganomicon

 Ingredients

FOR THE QUINOA

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 teaspoon tamari

FOR THE STIR-FRY

  • 1/2 cup roasted and salted cashews (original recipe calls for raw unsalted)
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 1/2 a medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 hot red chili pepper, sliced into very thin rounds (optional)
  • 1⁄2 inch piece ginger root, peeled and minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup frozen green peas
  • 1⁄2 cup fresh basil, sliced into thin shreds
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 2 cups bite-size chunks of fresh pineapple
  • 3 tablespoons tamari
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable stock
  • 1 tsp brown sugar

Instructions

FOR THE QUINOA:

  1. Combine the quinoa, juice, water, and soy sauce in a medium-sized pot.
  2. Cover, place over high heat,and bring to a boil.
  3. Stir a few times, lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, until all the liquid has been absorbed and the quinoa appears plumped and slightly translucent.
  4. Uncover, fluff, and let cool.
  5. For best results,place the quinoa in an airtight container and refrigerate overnight.
  6. If you’re in a hurry, chill the covered quinoa for at least an hour. I have also done this with warm quinoa and it comes out just fine, but it sticks to the pan a bit more.

FOR THE STIR-FRY;

  1. Use the largest skillet you have (at least 11 inches in diameter) or a wok.
  2. Have ALL of your ingredients chopped and easily within reach.
  3. Place the cashews in the dry pan and heat over low heat, stirring them, until lightly toasted, about 4 minutes.
  4. Remove the cashews from the pan, raise the heat to medium, and add the oil, red onion, and garlic.
  5. When the garlic starts to sizzle, add the sliced chili pepper and ginger.
  6. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, then add the red bell pepper and peas.
  7. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes, until the bell pepper is just softened.
  8. Add the basil and mint, and stir for another minute before adding the pineapple and quinoa.
  9. In a measuring cup, stir together the soy sauce, vegetable stock, and sugar.
  10. Pour over the quinoa mixture.
  11. Stir to incorporate completely and coat the quinoa.
  12. Continue to stir-fry for a few minutes, until the quinoa is very hot.
  13. Garnish with the chews and serve hot.
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