Shiitake Mushrooms, Green Beans, and Quinoa

In this shiitake mushrooms, green beans, and quinoa recipe, earthy mushrooms complement the sweet, crisp green beans and quinoa. People with a yang deficiency, or cold constitution will feel warmed from the inside out.

The story behind this shiitake mushroom recipe

Shiitake mushrooms are the only vegetables that some carnivores understand—you just can’t tell them that they are mushrooms. They have a meaty taste that can trick taste buds, even if they can’t trick your eyes. 

On the other hand, quinoa is chock full of protein, but looks and tastes just like any other grain. Balsamic vinegar gives it depth, so it seems like it’s been cooking all day, rather than the 30 or so minutes it actually takes. This whole dish is a lesson that your senses can deceive you.

But really, does it matter if it just tastes good? The earthy mushrooms complement the sweet, crisp green beans. The garlic and scallions mellow and sweeten to provide a background to the other flavors. The quinoa soaks up extra juices yet stays firm even if you reheat leftovers.  Just close your eyes and enjoy the lie.

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Shiitake Mushroom, Green Beans, and Quinoa

Ingredients

Quinoa:

• 1 c. dry quinoa
• 2 c. vegetable stock

Vegetables:

• 2 tbsp. oil
• 4 oz. shiitake mushrooms
• 1 lb. green beans
• 1 bunch scallions
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 c. vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• Salt/pepper to taste

Directions for Shiitake Mushrooms, Green Beans, and Quinoa

1. Rinse quinoa, then put in a saucepan with the stock.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover until the water is absorbed (approximately 15 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and cover for five minutes to steam.
4. Fluff with a fork before serving.
5. Remove the stems and slice the shiitake mushrooms. 
6. Mince the garlic and scallions.
7. Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a pan – heat at medium-high.
8. Add shiitake mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes, then remove to a bowl or plate and set aside.
9. Put the rest of the oil in the pan and add garlic and scallions. 
10. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until they are soft.
11. Add salt and pepper.
12. Add green beans and toss to coat (you’ll want to use a pair of kitchen tongs for this).
13. Then add stock and cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
14. Stir in mushrooms and vinegar and let cook on low for 2 more minutes.
15. Serve shiitake mushrooms and green beans on a bed of quinoa.

Servings: 2

Whole shiitake mushrooms

Add shiitake mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes

Put the rest of the oil in the pan and add garlic and scallions

Add green beans to the pan

Finished shiitake mushrooms, green beans, and quinoa

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