Quinoa Vegetable Pilaf

This recipe is really good because it is so versatile. You can take the veggies in several directions, and its one of those recipes when you can just put in whatever you have. I found the base recipe from the Savvy vegetarian online.

1Cup quinoa

Choose 2 or more from:
1 celery stalk, diced
1 carrot, diced or shredded
1 parsnip, diced or shredded
1/2 red pepper, diced

1/2 cup chickpeas
1 Tbsp olive oil
2-3 garlic cloves (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
1 Tbsp peeled and minced fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp dried ginger)
1/2 tsp brown mustard seeds
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp tumeric
1/2 tsp coriander
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1 3/4 cup vegetable broth

1/2 cup frozen peas
And/or
1/2 cup frozen corn

I usually leave these out, but 2 cups chopped spinach or chard, and 1/4 cup minced parsley or cilantro

Add ground pepper to taste

Soak quinoa 15 minutes
Heat olive oil on medium low
Peel and mince garlic and ginger, saute with mustard seed for 3minutes
Chop first set of chosen veggies (and chickpeas), add to pan and saute 5 minutes
Mix in the bay leaf, tumeric, coriander, and cumin
Turn heat to medium high.
Drain quinoa and add it. Stir until its dry and starts to pop.
Add 1 3/4 cup broth and salt. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer 15 min.
Stir in the corn/peas, and other optional veggies that you would like
Cover and cook 5 more minutes, then its ready to eat.