New Recipe of the Week: Healthy Fried Rice

A few weeks ago, I found myself trying to come up with something for dinner. A few problems....we didn't have much in the house, neither of of us wanted to go to the store, and I was craving Chinese food. After a quick search on Epicurious, I found the following recipe for Fried Rice and thought I'd give it a try.

The best part? Since I made it at home, I could keep it much, much healthier than anything you would get as take out! I used cooked chicken as my meat, brown basmati rice (its what I had in the pantry), and just threw in whatever veggies I had on hand. It turned out really yummy and was so fast and easy to make....especially if you already have the meat and rice from leftovers!

Healthy Fried Rice

(with my edits)

• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 bunch scallions, roughly chopped (I didn't have scallions on hand so I just used some diced onion)
• 1 cup leftover pork, chicken, or beef, diced (I used cooked chicken)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed (plus any leftover vegetables you have on hand...I used frozen peas, fresh carrots, and fresh red peppers)
• 4 cups cold cooked white or brown rice (any rice is fine..I used brown basmati rice)
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce (I used low sodium soy sauce)

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add the eggs and scallions. Cook, breaking up the eggs with a spoon until they are lightly browned.

3. Stir in the meat, vegetables, rice, and the remaining oil. Increase heat slightly and cook until the rice is crispy, about 5 minutes.

4. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce with 4 tablespoons of water. Pour the mixture over the rice.

5. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the rice has absorbed all the liquid, 3 to 5 minutes.

6. Season with the salt and pepper and serve, with extra soy sauce on the side.