Spring Pea and Asparagus Quinoa with Mushrooms and Leeks

This dish might look like it takes a lot of pans and bother to make, but things can be simplified by cooking the mushrooms with the leeks. I left separate because I am the only mushroom-eater in the house and had a craving.

I also had leftovers for lunch the next day topped with 2 fried eggs – fabulous. The kind of fabulous that made me sad I didn’t have a larger bowl.

Spring Pea and Asparagus Quinoa with Mushrooms and Leeks

2 c. vegetable stock
1 c. quinoa
2 leeks, white and light green parts only
2 cloves garlic
1 lb. crimini mushrooms, sliced
10 oz. fresh English peas
1 shallot
1 bunch asparagus
2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. butter
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
2 Tbsp. chopped mint
Salt & pepper to taste

Add the quinoa and stock to a medium pan over high heat. Bring to a boil, cover, knock the heat back to a simmer and let cook 15 minutes or until curlicues open.

Slice the leeks into thin rounds and chop the garlic.

Add to a large pan with 1 Tbsp. olive oil and 1 Tbsp. butter. Sautee over medium 10 minutes or until browned. Season with salt and pepper. When the leeks are done, add to a medium bowl.

Add the mushrooms, 2 tsp. olive oil and 2 tsp. butter to a medium pan over medium heat. Sautee 15 minutes or until softened and browned. Season with salt and pepper.

Slice the shallot into thin rings and chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces. Add to the vacant leek pan with the peas and 1 Tbsp. olive oil. sautee over medium-high until browned. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the shallot/pea/asparagus mixture to the leek bowl and toss to combine. Hit with the lemon juice and taste for seasoning. Add the mint and toss. Serve over the quinoa, topped with mushrooms.

Serves 2 for dinner + 1 for lunch.