Pantry-Raid Power Bowl - Quinoa and Brown Rice Stir fry!

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Or, in this case, a desperate raid on the pantry! This recipe was born from a moment of 'I have NO idea what to make for lunch' panic. But fear not, fellow foodies! With a little creativity and a sprinkle of Indian magic (read: spices!), a delicious and healthy stir-fry emerged from the chaos. This is a testament to the fact that even the most chaotic pantry can yield culinary gold! Here's the recipe for Brown Rice and Quinoa Stir Fry with 5 Key Indian Spices:

Yields: 2 servings (or 1 very hungry person) Prep time: 5-10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 10 ounces frozen vegetables (mixed or your choice: beans, carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 cup cooked brown rice and 1 cup cooked quinoa
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add onions and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in frozen vegetables and cook until tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add turmeric powder, Kashmiri chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
6. Add cooked brown rice and quinoa to the skillet.
7. Season with salt to taste. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

• Spice it up: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your desired spice level.
• Add protein: Include cooked chicken, tofu, or paneer for extra protein.
• Veggie variations: Use any combination of vegetables you enjoy.
• Top with nuts: Sprinkle with toasted almonds, cashews, or pistachios for added crunch.