One-Pot High-Protein Asian-Style Grains Bowl with Miso, Ginger, Tofu, and Kimchi:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa or brown rice (you can also use a mix of grains like quinoa, brown rice, and farro)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium if possible)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 block of firm tofu, cubed (or protein source of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 2 cups mixed leafy greens (spinach, kale, chard, etc.)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Kimchi, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa or brown rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess starch.
2. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the cubed tofu (or your chosen protein source) and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Remove the tofu from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add a bit more sesame oil if needed and sauté the grated ginger and minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant.
4. Add the rinsed quinoa or brown rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the ginger and garlic.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes (or according to the cooking time of your chosen grains).
6. Once the grains are almost cooked, stir in the miso paste until it's well incorporated into the broth.
7. Add the broccoli, sliced carrots, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cover again and let it cook for another 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
8. Stir in the soy sauce and rice vinegar to add more flavor to the dish.
9. Add the mixed leafy greens to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they wilt slightly.
10. Finally, add the cooked tofu back to the pot and give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
11. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
12. Serve the Asian-style grains bowl in individual bowls or plates. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of kimchi, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions if desired.
