Cozy, Creamy, and Satisfying- Fried Rice

It used to be that my idea of a comforting dish was mashed potatoes and melted cheese. That will always be a winner in my book, but once I realized that it wasn't the healthiest food to be eating every time I wanted some warm, gooey comfort, I had to come up with another dish that did the trick.

Stir fry. Simple and sophisticated, the egg added in at the end of the cooking process leaves the rice creamy and smooth. Eaten piping hot, this dish is just plain comforting. So pull out your woks, fire up that high heat, and reinvent your favorite warm and cozy dish!

Fried Rice

Makes 3-5 servings

1 cup dried Brown Rice (cook to package instructions)

4 scallions

3 large cloves garlic

1 tablespoon minced ginger (buy it fresh; it's worth it!)

1/2 red pepper

1 cup cooked, shelled edamame

1 cup fresh corn

1 handful of broccoli florets

1 handful of chopped asparagus

2 medium mushrooms

6 ounces firm tofu

2 eggs, beaten

3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

Canola Oil

Salt

Pepper

Red Pepper Flakes

Cook the brown rice according to the package instructions. While the rice cooks, chop all vegetables and the tofu into bite sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger. Using a wok or a frying pan heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil on medium heat. Cook the vegetables one type at a time until just tender.

When all vegetables are cooked, add the garlic, ginger, and scallions and cook until softened and you begin to smell the ginger. Place the tofu into the pan and "fry" until it begins to turn golden brown. Mix all vegetables, garlic, ginger, tofu, and add the rice to this. Make a well in the center of the rice and vegetable mixture, add 1 teaspoon of canola oil and add the eggs. Cook until nearly completely scrambled. Stir the eggs into the rice mixture, add 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Incorporate all spices into the dish. Pull out your chopsticks and dig in!

Suggestion: Not a fan of tofu? No worries! Substitute in your favorite protein. Try pork, chicken, beef, fish, black beans, whatever!