Having two daughters has been one of the most interesting experiences of my life.
I grew up with a brother ten years my senior, so by the time I was eight, he had already departed for military life, and I essentially grew up an only child.
I recall many days in my bedroom, however, wishing for sisters. I actually dreamed up a scenario where I had ten younger sisters, and we all had four-letter names. My moniker was Gina for these purposes, because my dad told me that's what he had wanted to name me. I was a very imaginative child and played by myself often, so this world was as close to any real one that I knew.
Being a mom now and having the opportunity to watch two girls interact has been educational to say the least.
One minute they're cats and dogs, hitting and pinching one another, and the next they're best friends, role-playing scenes from the ever-popular, Frozen.
I was recently sitting outside their room when I heard my four-year-old say to my two-year-old, 'Natalie, you be Anna and I be Elsa'. They then proceeded with what I assume was actual dialogue from the movie (I haven't actually seen it).
'Don't shut me out Anna!', followed by unintelligible squeals from my youngest. It was a riot to listen to!
Another thing motherhood has provided me is two little people to feed. Constantly.
It seems just as soon as they've eaten their breakfast and I have the kitchen cleaned up, they're ready for their snack, and so on throughout the day until they're tucked away for the night.
It can get a bit trying, so that's why quick and easy meals like this one come in handy.
The quinoa takes 15 minutes to cook, and in the meantime, you can prepare the remaining ingredients for easy assembly and quick dining.
Easy Kale Fried Quinoa (Vegan, Primal)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ c. quinoa rinsed and drained
- 1 T. grapeseed oil or another neutral oil
- 1 t. sesame oil
- ¼ c. shallot chopped fine
- 10 ounces about 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 large kale leaves de-stemmed and leaves chopped
- 1 T. soy sauce or coconut aminos
- ½ t. sea salt plus more to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook your quinoa according to package instructions.
- Meanwhile, heat the oils in a non-stick skillet.
- Add the shallot and saute for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add in the mushrooms and cook for about five minutes, until they have released their water and cooked down a bit.
- Add in the kale and cook just until wilted.
- Stir in the cooked quinoa, salt, and soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and cook everything for another minute.
- Taste for extra salt and pepper, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This has been a favorite dish of mine to make lately, not only because my girls both enjoy it, but because it's full of protein and nutrients, making me feel better about feeding my daughters half a container of these crackers just to get them out of my face for a few minutes. 😀
What is your favorite way to eat quinoa?
Mike@TheIronYou
Siblings' interactions can be so great, Lauren.
My nieces, for instance, at times can be so different in the way they think, but on other instances they act and think in unison.
They go from being sworn mortal enemies to BFF in a snap. It's so funny...but also kind of weird.
I love quinoa and I love kale, so this recipe is really a no-brainer for me!
jess @ whatjessicabakednext
This quinoa looks divine!
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen
Quinoa and Kale together? Sign me up! I had a whole bunch of kale chips tonight and can't seem to get enough kale in my life! I love easy meals that can be put together and make perfect leftovers 🙂
Christine@ Apple of My Eye
Great pictures, love! I really don't eat too much quinoa, but this dish look delicious so I might need to pick some up next time I'm at the store :). Thanks for sharing!
Lauren
Thanks Christine! I love quinoa, and it's so great for meatless meals because of its protein content. I hope you get to try it! 🙂
Isadora @ she likes food
I pretty much love any recipe that contains quinoa and I love kale, so I know I would love this dish! I use quinoa in a lot of different ways, but I always seem to be putting it into salads. I just saw an article about how if you want peace and quiet in the house, you should have two daughters. I thought it was pretty funny because I grew up with one sister, two years older than me, and we absolutely hated eachother with a passion pretty much until we were both in high school. Looking back, I feel so bad for my mom because we were always fighting. Thankfully, these days she is my best friend! Sisters are the best and your daughters are so lucky to have eachother!
Lauren
Haha, at least you guys get along now! My mom didn't get along with two of her three sisters either, and they still don't, hah! I hope my girls end up like you and your sister. 🙂