Indian food and health mash.

Indian food, thanks Trader Joe's:

A fun and EASY meal that I also believe is healthy and super thrifty.  Trader Joe's sells these amazing foil packages of Indian food for $2!  I can usually use one box for a meal for both of us, but we were feeling zealous tonight and cracked open two :)

I made a large pot of brown rice (2 parts water to 1 part rice, bring to a boil, reduce to low and cover until done).  I didn't even heat the Indian food but let the hot rice do the work.  Couldn't be easier.  Welcome to add whatever you like to this meal or leave as is.  I think it could be fun with kids, let them choose their own 'box 'o Indian food' and share with everyone...  Enjoy!

As you can see, this was a 'serve yourself' kind of meal!



Rice, lentil, vegetable mash:

Had leftover rice from Indian food.  Carrots and celery were my only fresh vegetables.  I thought of making up the rice with vegetables as I would with buttered noodles.  So that is where my seasoning inspiration came. 
For protein I used lentils and quinoa.  First saute up carrots, celery, and onion in oil.  Then add lentils and 2 parts water, bring to a boil with salt and pepper, garlic powder, and anything else you like, cover and turn to low.  After 10 minutes or so, when you think there is about 10 minutes left, add the quinoa and its 2 parts of water.  When its almost done and water almost soaked up add any frozen vegetables you wanted to use, I added peas. 
When done add butter and any seasonings you like.  When I make buttered and veggie noodles I like to use dill, garlic powder, and/or Mrs. Dash.   Surprisingly tasty and extremely healthy!