Yummy Yummy Quinoa (Vegan/Vegetarian)

I love eating this by itself but I'm sure it'll be delectable if you add in some okra to your veggie mix in addition to leafy greens.

Ingredients:

quinoa (any kind!)

water

vegetable bullion (and/or spices-- have fun with the flavors!)

olive oil

peppers (sweet bells and hot ones are awesome!)

onions

cooked/frozen white beans (or another bean of your choice)

garlic

[how much you'll need veggie wise is determined if you are making this as a meal or a side. I love to just go ahead and do quite a bit]

Helpful notes: 

Keep to the ratio of 1 Cup Quinoa to 2 Cups water. Don't be stingy with the water, you'll need it.

Remember, quinoa expands quite a bit.

Directions:

Rinse your quinoa.

The only way this is actually possible without losing half the seeds is to use paper towels (or a fresh clean dish towel) and a colander. Set the towel(s) down in an even layer so as not to let anything slip out. Hold the edges of the towels as you pour running water over the seeds.

Let them sit for a bit then, hold the towel over and in the pot you will be using to cook. Use the water you are going to actually cook with, wash the quinoa off the towels and into the pot.

Add your bullion cube and/or spices. Bring to a simmer and cover.

Cook your quinoa on low heat for 15-20 minutes (I prefer 20 minutes but keep an eye on it).

While that's cooking, cut up your onions, peppers, and garlic. Toss it all together with the beans in a frying pan with olive oil. If the beans aren't frozen, you can put them in closer to when your veggies are done.

When your quinoa is done, turn off the heat. [The seeds should be very soft (Alex says like mashed potatoes). If they are still tough, add a little water and let them cook longer.]

Stir it up with a wooden, not slated spoon. Add in your veggies, add a little oil to keep it all from sticking. Add salt & pepper and more spices if you like!  

The Dishes May Get Dirty

I recently came into the thought of how am I ever going to get all of this done? and realized the answer: I never will. No matter what we do the dishes will always get dirty again, the floor will need to be swept, and the crafty projects will keep coming.
My way to happiness and peace? Let the dishes be dirty sometimes. You aren't the only one who can wash them and, if you are, there shouldn't be that many and they can wait for a day while you take care of other priorities.
You all know I truly enjoy cooking so eating out all the time is out of the question. The key to making it work: if you have time to sit on your bum and just watch Chopped reruns, you have time to wash the dishes. Even if it's not all of them, do some.
When the chaos of everyday responsibilities engulfs me I clear my mind and let this list ring gently in my ears. The point of it is not to complete the tasks but to follow Set a Timer when considering all aspects of your day. There truly is a weight to the immortal To Do List but when you just devote yourself individually when you can, let the rest go.
If you have important work to do, do that, then take a break and wash a couple dishes to clear your mind.

"Rake the leaves. You'll never finish for good but you'll learn the point of pointlessness."