fast & easy meal idea: spicy quinoa with a fried egg & sriracha

Some nights, you just don't want to stand in front of a stove. You're tired, you're hungry, it's hot, you've had a long day, and the last thing you feel like doing is cooking.

Those are the nights when ordering takeout, swinging by Chik fil A, or heating up a microwave dinner sound like good options.

I get it. I feel like that quite often. That's why it's great to have a repertoire of fast and EASY meals on hand that taste great but require minimal effort.

I'm sharing a recipe with you today (barely a recipe it's so easy) that is perfect for those nights. It takes under 20 minutes, requires 6 ingredients you already have, and couldn't be easier. Plus, it's freakin' delicious. And cheap! No standing in front of the stove for more than 2 minutes.

Quinoa melts together with salsa, jalapenos, and a bit of cheese. Topped with a fried egg and sriracha. This dish is super spicy and flavorful, plus it's filling -- perfect for a satisfying lunch or a light dinner. It's natural and healthy and made of just a few real foods... much better than takeout! Mmm the runny yolk with the creamy quinoa.... heaven. 

Try this easy meal next time you're feeling exhausted but craving something yummy. Y'all hardly need a recipe, but I'll give you the instructions anyway, along with some ideas to spice this basic dish up even more:

Rinse half a cup of quinoa and place it in a small pot with a cup of water (or chicken broth). Add salt for flavor. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Now.... go rest your feet.

Once the quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork. With the heat still on low, stir in about half a cup of salsa, some diced jalapenos, and a small handful of cheese. 

For the fried egg, heat a small nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Spray with olive oil spray. Let get hot. Crack an egg in the pan. Let sit until set and slightly browned on the bottom, then carefully flip. For a runny egg, only cook it for another minutes or two on the second side. 

Scoop the quinoa into bowls. Top with fried egg. Add sriracha. Ta-da! That's it. Deliciousness. 

Spicy Quinoa with a Fried Egg & Sriracha
For 2 small-ish servings (or 1 large)

Ingredients
-1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
-1/2 cup organic salsa of your choice (check that ingredient list -- should be all natural, real ingredients and no added sugar)
-2 tbsp to 1/4 cup (based on preference and servings) of hand-grated natural cheese of your choice (I like cheddar)
-2 tbsp chopped pickled jalapeños, or to taste
-2 eggs for 2 servings (or 1 if you're eating it all)
-Sriracha to taste
-S & P to taste

-Bring quinoa to a boil with a cup of water and a pinch of salt. Once boiling, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
-Once quinoa is done, fluff with a fork and with the heat on low, add in salsa, cheese, and jalapeños. Stir to combine.
-Meanwhile, heat a small nonstick pan over medium high heat. Spray with olive oil spray. Once hot, add your egg(s). Cook until set and slightly browned on the bottom. Carefully flip and cook for another minute or two.
-Scoop the quinoa mixture into bowls. Top with fried egg. Top with sriracha and salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!


Ways to make this basic dish even better:

*Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak
*Add sautéed onions and peppers
*Top with fresh cilantro
*Mix in black beans: