Eggplant Quinoa

As all of the yummy summer veggies come into season, it gets so much easier to eat healthy! I've also recently discovered quinoa, a grain that is both more filling and more tasty than rice.

Stats
Cost to make: $3.00
Portions: 2-3 (more if this is a side and not the main)
Pain-in-the-Ass Factor: Low
How Long Until Dinner: 30 minutes

Notes

If you have a barbeque, forgo the saute. Instead, slice your veggies and brush them with a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, add a little salt, and grill until tender.

Eggplant and tomatoes are the stars of this dish, but pretty flexible as far as the rest of the vegetables go. Go for whatever is good right now in your area.

Finish this with fresh basil if you have it around, or steal some from your neighbor who grows it!

Down to Business

1 cup uncooked quinoa
1 medium sized eggplant, cut into bite sized pieces
1 zucchini, " "
2/3 cup diced carrots
about 6 crimini mushrooms, sliced
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/4 lb fresh chopped tomatoes (whatever variety is best in your area)
pinch of crushed rosemary
pinch of oregano
pinch of basil

Over medium heat, pour a nice layer of olive oil into a wok or dutch overn. Add the eggplant and toss vigorously. When it starts to brown, turn the heat to low and add carrots, rosemary, and half the garlic. It will look like it needs more oil, but just let it cook and it will release some moisture.

Meanwhile: Rinse the quinoa in cold water. Add the quinoa to 1 1/2 cups water, a pat of butter, and a stock cube if you've got one. Bring it to a boil, then turn to low and simmer about 15 minutes while you continue to cook the veggies. It's done when it's tender but slightly chewy, and has little sprout rings. Leave it covered until you are ready to serve.

When the eggplant has become almost tender, add the zucchini, oregano, basil, and remaining garlic and cook for another 3 minutes.

Stir in the mushrooms and add salt to taste. When all the veggies are tender, turn off the heat and stir in the tomatoes. Serve over the quinoa.

Price Breakdown

You will end up paying more for eggplant from a store that charges by the pound instead of per item.

Look for quinoa at your local ethnic markets. Big chains like whole foods always overcharge for stuff like this. If there are no white people/you are the only one in the store, it's probably a good place to buy grains.