Dinner

South Asian Stir-fry Night!

Oh.my.god! I just made the most fabulous dinner ever for myself! I’m telling you….go buy Veganomicon NOW because it might just be the best cookbook ever. Seriously. I just made the Pineapple-Cashew-Quinoa Stir-Fry recipe out it and it completely blew me away. YUM! I made some modifications, which I listed when I copied down the recipe, and it turned out marvelously! I could eat this happily every single day! Sorry guys, I don’t know the calorie count though….again–that little website that I think was mentioned earlier is a great way to figure it out though if you have the time and want to know! It does take awhile though to punch in each individual ingredient!

Backtracking though, my day turned out a little different than originally planned. The other hostess at Roy’s son got really sick at school and she had to leave and go get him so I covered her shift for the afternoon. I need the money though so I’m not complaining!! I had a thick slice of my banana bread and hot tea as a snack around 3:00.

Well, I’m off to school to bake some baguettes!!! See you in the morning!

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Veganomicon’s Pineapple-Cashew-Quinoa Stir-Fry

Serves 2

1/2 cup quinoa

1/2 cup pineapple juice or coconut “water”

.5 cup water

dash of soy sauce

2 ounces raw cashews

2 tbsp sesame oil

1 scallion, thinly sliced

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 chopped serrano pepper

1/4 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 cup cooked edamame

1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped (I just used a big handful..I love basil!)

1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into bite sized chunks

1.5 tbsp soy sauce

3 tbsp water
.5 tbsp rice wine vinegar

Lime wedges for garnish

1. Make the quinoa: in a small saucepan combine the quinoa, water, juice and soy sauce. Cover and bring to a boil then reduce the heat at simmer for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is gone. Set aside.

2. Toast the cashews in a nonstick skillet on med for about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. Raise up the heat a little and add the peanut oil, scallions and garlic. Then, add the ginger and sliced hot pepper. After about 30 seconds, add the bell pepper and edamame. Cook for about 3 minutes.

4. Add the basil and mint, cook for a minute, then add the pineapple, cashews and quinoa.

5. Add in a measuring cup together the soy sauce, mirin and stock. Pour over the quinoa mixture and stir to incorporate completely. Stir fry for about 10 more minutes until the quinoa is very hot!

6. Serve with lime wedges!

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  • VeggieGirl
    February 20, 2008 at 10:33 pm

    Ahh, I have that recipe marked as a “must-try-soon” – now I think it will be sooner than I think, since it looks so HEAVENLY!! Such a gorgeous mix of colors and ingredients (and nutrition), all in one dish!! Yum!! And yes, I agree – Veganomicon IS one of the best cookbooks out there – vegan or not! In fact, I just got done baking a batch of Pumpkin-Cranberry Scones from that amazing cookbook :0)

    Have fun baking baguettes!! And have a great Wednesday night!!

  • Amy
    February 20, 2008 at 10:41 pm

    Wow, there are a lot of NoVA/DC people on here! I thought I was the only one from this area! I used to live in DC and just moved to Arlington last month. I haven’t been to Sunflower in Falls Church, but I’ve been wanting to go. I want to get in on the possible DC area meetup…that could be fun! Should we exchange emails or something?

  • Romina
    February 20, 2008 at 10:44 pm

    I made this on Saturday and LOVED it! Every bite was right out of heaven. I substituted the peas for asparagus because I had some on hand, but I’ll definitely try it with peas.

    I love the idea of eating fruit in the main course, it’s a nice blend of flavours, and the cashews give it that super great crunch.

    I second what you say – Veganomicon is amazing. It’s just something everyone should have, vegan or not!

  • blueberrybabe
    February 20, 2008 at 10:48 pm

    back to the roasting of veggies discussion from this morning- if i want to roast peppers/onions/mushrooms what is the best way to do this? i mean do i just plop them all in the pan? is there olive oil and or garlic (whole or minced?) or spices involved? i was thinking of roasting them and then serving over ww pasta and maybe adding tomato sauce or not? thanks!

  • TimeofButterflies
    February 20, 2008 at 10:56 pm

    OK, I’m not vegan, but all the recipes you are posting from that book are just plain fabulous. I’m going to check it out right now on Amazon.

  • Nicole
    February 20, 2008 at 10:57 pm

    that looks delicious—are those edamame or lima beans?

    also, a random question for yall: i want to make my own peanut butter because it’s ridiculously easy. everything that i keep reading though tells me to add peanut oil–is this necessary? wont the peanuts release a good deal of oil on processing? it just seems gratuitous, unless im going to have dry peanut butter otherwise. thanks!

  • Nicole
    February 20, 2008 at 10:58 pm

    blueberry–

    put foil on the pan and either spray the veggies with olive oil spray, or drizzle with olive oil. then add s & p (and whatever else you like—rosemary and garlic are usually included for me), and bake at 400 for 25 min or so.

  • Danielle
    February 20, 2008 at 11:01 pm

    Yummy, Yummy, Yummy aka My dinner tomorrow night! πŸ™‚
    Question everyone: I want to make sweet potato fries tonight but I only want to use half of the sweet potato because I only need enough for myself. What can I do to the over half so it stays fresh?
    Thanks!

  • blueberrybabe
    February 20, 2008 at 11:03 pm

    Thanks nicole. Do I just sprinkle the minced garlic all over the veggies after i put the oil on? and does it make a difference if i use dried spices or like real fresh basil? thanks!

  • Shannon
    February 20, 2008 at 11:06 pm

    That looks absolutely delicious! I really feel like I should get this cookbook, especially as I’ve been experimenting a lot lately with vegan meals and baked goods, although I still eat meat (rarely). However, I’m usually reluctant to buy actual cookbooks because of the wide variety of recipes available online. It is kind of a hassle to print them all out, though, and would be nice to have everything contained together.

  • Annie
    February 20, 2008 at 11:07 pm

    Hey Danielle, I would just throw the other half of the potato in a bag, and use it again pretty soon. Or you can cook the whole potato, put half in a baggie, adn put it in the fridge so you can eat it another night again. Ive saved cooked potatos in the fridge for a couple days and there still good.

  • Meghan
    February 20, 2008 at 11:07 pm

    Danielle – how about baking or microwaving the other half and mashing it up for mashed sweet potatoes some other time this week(end)?

  • Beth
    February 20, 2008 at 11:12 pm

    Looks great!

    Question for all the girls (hopefully Ryan’s not reading-haha!)

    Anyway, do you all continue your exercise routines when you have your period? I know exercising helps or to do just walking etc. But I don’t want to have to not weight lift etc. one week every month and slow my progress (once I get out of a routine it takes me another month or two to start again- I am not even exaggerating). Any suggestions?

  • AW
    February 20, 2008 at 11:15 pm

    Beth, i don’t alter my exercise regimen at all. i continue to run and lift during my period. unless you’re having excruciating cramps or headaches, i don’t see why you wouldn’t exercise?

  • Rach
    February 20, 2008 at 11:25 pm

    Veggiegirl,
    Were the scones good? How do you make scones w/o butter? Just curious…I’m going to have to try that!!! πŸ™‚

  • TimeofButterflies
    February 20, 2008 at 11:32 pm

    Beth:

    I’m able to continue my exercise regimen without any alterations during my period. That includes running, kickboxing, Pilates, and weight lifting.

  • Emily W.
    February 20, 2008 at 11:34 pm

    I always check on the Target website for their coupons (which change weekly) and if you shop at Target and like morning star products, you should check it out….one of their coupons is for $2 off a morning star product.

    http://sites.target.com/site/en/supertarget/page.jsp?title=coupons_specials

  • Nicole
    February 20, 2008 at 11:42 pm

    blueberry–
    i would just slice the garlic and throw it in the pan with the veggies, drizzle everything with oil and roast together…as for spices, id do dried because the flavor is way more intense

  • Beth
    February 20, 2008 at 11:44 pm

    Sorry, I should have added, I feel kinda gross- and always bloated!

  • Annie
    February 20, 2008 at 11:47 pm

    Jenna, I just made your moms BBQ pulled chicken sandwhiches…seriously they were sooo good. Thanks for the recipe!

  • VeggieGirl
    February 20, 2008 at 11:49 pm

    **Nicole:

    The peanut oil isn’t necessary, at first – just see how “wet” the mixture is when processing in the food processor, and then add some of the peanut oil as needed. There’s nothing better than homemade nut-butter – yum! :0)

  • VeggieGirl
    February 20, 2008 at 11:51 pm

    **Rach:

    The scones turned out PHENOMENALLY – between the aroma, taste, and texture, I’m in heaven right now (since I’m currently enjoying one, with a glass of hempmilk, haha).

    I use Earth Balance, which is a vegan margarine – here’s a link to the product:http://www.earthbalance.net/

  • Paula
    February 21, 2008 at 12:01 am

    Amy, Rachel, Jenn, Alex, Anne, Marissa, and Cat:

    Wow, there are a lot of us NoVA/DC folks!!! I recommended earlier that we all get together for a meal. I’m free for lunch or dinner on Saturday. Or, we can get together at a later date… at any rate, my e-mail is paula.chrin@gmail.com. And I’m in the Facebook group. Shoot me an e-mail or message if you’d like to get together soon!

    πŸ™‚ I’m excited!!!

    BTW, Jenna, do you know that I loveee your blog? You rock and so does your food. I’m going to fly to Orlando just so I can eat your meals!!! Hahah

  • BethT
    February 21, 2008 at 12:31 am

    Hey other Beth! I find that exercise HELPS with bloating. If I can just get off the couch, I feel SOO much better after.

    And I agree with the other non vegans who want to try this cookbook! I have a copy on hold at the library but it’s hard to wait. I just want to test before I buy….

    Thanks, Jenna for continuing to inspire us!

  • pinklilly
    February 21, 2008 at 1:03 am

    BETH: I still continue to exercise during my time of the month. Being active actually helps my bloating and cramps feel better.

    DANIELLE: I usually only eat half a sweet potatoe per serving. I take the other half and put it in a baggie in the fridge. It still tastes just as yummy heated up in the oven or in the microwave!

    Hope everyone has a happy night!

  • Alex VA
    February 21, 2008 at 1:23 am

    (Some other Alex was posting on here a few days ago – so I will now be “Alex VA” because I don’t like it when other people use my/their name and I’m like Ahhh! That’s not me!

    So, anyway – all you NoVA/DC kids – I think it would be fun if we all got together & went somewhere, like Pizzeria Paradiso (and we could all order whole wheat crust and soy cheese and no one would give us funny looks!). Unfortunately, as I mentioned before, I am a law student… this pretty much means that I am always busy and have no social life. I can’t do this weekend (um, or next weekend… or the weekend after that… :P), but if you guys get together in the future, keep me posted so I can try to hop in!

    Have fun if you do go somewhere this weekend!! Eat something yummy for me!

  • Heather K
    February 21, 2008 at 1:40 am

    wow! this looks soooo good! I really want to try it and get Veganomicon! I have been vegetarian and vegan before, but then I started eating animal products, chicken, and fish again (rarely ever red meat.ew). I thought about being vegetarian again and so i did a few weeks ago. Then I was reading about cow’s milk and more into Veganism and have decided to take it farther and make the switch!! (Definately have to by this cookbook) However, I eat dinner with my boyfriend’s family sometimes (at least once a week), and I feel bad that I won’t be able to eat a lot of the things. I know they wouldn’t mind, but I just don’t want to be a pain. πŸ™ I don’t expect them to make changes for me that’s for sure i just feel somewhat awkward or something about it. Does anyone have any suggestions????

  • Heather K
    February 21, 2008 at 1:41 am

    sorry, I know it’s BUY not BY. oops!! :-0

  • Emily W.
    February 21, 2008 at 1:44 am

    Those thinking about trying Veganomicon….Check out this website:
    http://www.theppk.com/nomicon.html

  • Alyssa
    February 21, 2008 at 1:45 am

    Any other people from MN here? I’m alone!

  • Lori- the pleasantly plump vegan
    February 21, 2008 at 1:45 am

    everyone who makes this, raves about it. i guess i need to try it. i love yr Mise en place picture.

  • Betsy
    February 21, 2008 at 2:12 am

    veggiegirl–
    what is the facebook group??

  • Danielle
    February 21, 2008 at 2:23 am

    Thanks for your help girls! The other half is waiting for a meal tomorrow, who knows what I’ll do with it πŸ™‚
    Also, I made Kath’s maple salmon tonight. I appreciate the purchasing tips! and it turned out fabulous! So delicious and easy that I couldn’t even believe that I made it! When it comes to cooking I’m about as novice a novice as one could possibly be!
    These food blogs have been so inspiring and influential in my new healthy self-sufficient lifestyle. I cannot even thank the posters enough… Jenna that includes you! πŸ˜€

  • VeggieGirl
    February 21, 2008 at 2:29 am

    **Betsy:

    Here’s a link to Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9967717108

  • Jen
    February 21, 2008 at 2:33 am

    Does anyone have the biscotti recipe Jenna used a few weeks back?

  • Megs
    February 21, 2008 at 2:37 am

    Veggie Girl,

    I left you a comment on your blog. But, how on Earth do you know eat all the baked goods all the time you make…

    You are to presh – look like Tinkerbell.

    πŸ™‚

  • Courtney
    February 21, 2008 at 2:40 am

    Ok, so I really want to go out and get that cookbook now! All of the recipes look and sound so good! Veggiegirl those scones sound soo yummy!

    To add to the lunchtime discussion, I’m from Louisiana, near Baton Rouge. Does anyone else live around there? My fiancΓ© lives in The Woodlands, Tx and I’ll be moving there in November for all of you Houstoners.

  • kay
    February 21, 2008 at 2:41 am

    Dinner looks great! I NEED that cookbook!!!!!!!

    VeggieGirl:
    I saw your groceries! They all look delicious and the blondie too πŸ™‚

  • VeggieGirl
    February 21, 2008 at 2:45 am

    **Megs:

    Yes, I saw your comment on my blog – thank you for your kind words! Isn’t food shopping so much fun?? Oh and I’m so glad that you’re enjoying the Sunshine burgers :0)

    I always taste-test my baked goods (especially before distributing the goods to my family members). I want to make sure that I don’t serve anything to my family that tastes awful; and what can I say, it wouldn’t be much fun if I baked but didn’t eat any of it! :0)

  • sperly
    February 21, 2008 at 2:46 am

    alyssa>>

    I like never ever post on here since I only come on this site once in a while, but I’m from MN! Are you in the cities?

  • VeggieGirl
    February 21, 2008 at 2:46 am

    **Kay:

    Thank you! The groceries are all gone now, so I’m off to Whole Foods again tomorrow, haha; and the blondies were gone shortly after I baked them! :0D

  • Sarah
    February 21, 2008 at 3:00 am

    Hi Jenna, I’m vacationing in Orlando in a couple weeks… Can you recommend a few restaurants in the area? Thanks!

  • ibex hk
    February 21, 2008 at 3:20 am

    yum, this is definetly on my list of things to try out, ASAP!! enjoy the baking tonight πŸ™‚ I’m a nerd and will be in bed long before you get home, hhaha but I’m excited to hear all about it. Your loaves from last night looked very pretty!

    night!

  • Alyssa
    February 21, 2008 at 3:24 am

    nah the suburbs, you?

  • Nicole
    February 21, 2008 at 3:28 am

    thanks veggiegirl! i thought the addition seemed gratuitous–im excited to make it, i love the kind from wf that you grind yourself

  • mags
    February 21, 2008 at 4:32 am

    veggiegirl will you post that scones recipe?
    i would LOVE to try them!!

  • Kath
    February 21, 2008 at 10:59 am

    OK, ok, ok I’m buying Veganomicon. I trust your opinion highly Jenna and if it’s that good it’s THAT good!

    Your stir-fry looks AMAZING with that pineapple!

  • Meghan
    February 21, 2008 at 11:54 am

    Well….I bought it! I’m super excited, the recipes sound amazing. This weekend I’m going food shopping and I’ll be spending my friday night in the kitchen!

  • VeggieGirl
    February 21, 2008 at 12:24 pm

    **Mags:

    Unfortunately, I can’t post the recipe, since it’s from a cookbook (the FABULOUS “Veganomicon”!!), and I didn’t make any changes to the recipe; but I will be blogging about them, most likely this Friday. In the meantime I highly recommend checking out that cookbook!! :0)

  • Becky in MD
    February 21, 2008 at 1:27 pm

    Hey DC/VA group! I’m in MD, just out side of DC, so if you guys get together, I would love to join you! I just joined the facebook group..which was weird cuz I haven’t been on facebook since college. Unfortunatly, this weekend isn’t very good for me…we’re also supposed to be getting some nasty weather….Maybe next weekend?