Kale and Quinoa Pilaf

Another lapse between posts! Things are good around here, my little herb garden has already started sprouting, our RocketPrincess is growing like a weed and we are heading to Seattle this weekend to see some friends!  In an effort to shed the pregnancy weight, I've been trying to eat a little better (certainly better than I did during pregnancy...a lot of cake was eaten) and with a little one and the expenses that came with a baby, buying a home and being on maternity leave, we've done almost all our cooking here - no more take out for us! 

This recipe, believe it or not, was picked out last week because we had all the ingredients in-house and we wanted to use up some kale.  Well WOW.  It was unbelievably good - so much better than I expected. My personal thought is that the ginger is the key, but the whole thing was delicious, and well-rounded, nutrition-wise.  In fact, it was SO good that I soaked some beans last night and we're having this for dinner again tonight!

Can take no credit for this one - this is from Cooking Light :)

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/kale-quinoa-pilaf-10000000226297/

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup thinly sliced carrot

1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons curry powder

1 teaspoon chili paste with garlic

1/2 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger

6 cups torn kale

2 cups cooked brown rice

1 cup cooked quinoa

2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add curry, chili paste, and ginger; sauté 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients; cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. Serve at room temperature.