Mediterrasian Quinoa

When I auditioned for Masterchef 2015 in September, I spent about a month trying to decide what to make. Originally this dish was just topped with scallions, but one day I wanted to kick it up and I just happened to have cilantro and feta in the fridge and I fell in love with this! 

This was the dish I made that got me to the second round!!! It's so easy, yummy and just the perfect amount of spice and sweetness....

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa

1 8oz pkg firm tofu, cubed

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 cup onion, minced.

8 oz shitake mushrooms, chopped

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce

2 Tablespoons sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 - 1 teaspoon crushed red peppers (depending on how spicy you like it)
salt and pepper
8 oz feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup cilantro

Directions:

Cook quinoa in a pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions.

While quinoa is cooking, add heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown tofu with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. when tofu has browned, remove from pan. Sauté peppers, onions, mushrooms and garlic with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, salt and pepper and red peppers. Simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. 

Mix with cooked quinoa and top with feta and cilantro.