THAI PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or toasted sesame oil
• 2 cups water
• Pinch of salt

• Coconut oil 
• 2 large eggs + 1 tablespoon water

• 1 ½ tablespoons toasted sesame oil or coconut oil, divided
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cubed pineapple
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped (reserve some for topping)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots (or carrots cut into matchsticks)
• 1/2 cup frozen shelled edamame
• 1 tablespoon chili paste
• 2 tablespoons gluten free soy sauce or coconut aminos, plus more to taste
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped cashews (or peanuts)

• ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
• Extra green onion/scallions
• Cashews, chopped

DIRECTIONS

1. To make the rice: Add rice and coconut oil to a medium pot and place over medium heat. Toast rice for 2 minutes with the oil to enhance the flavor and texture. After 2 minutes, add water and salt and stir. Allow water to come to a boil, then turn heat to low, cover and cook for 45-55 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to sit in pan covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork. The rice should be slightly chewy but still soft.
2. While the rice is cooking, you can chop your veggies and cook your eggs. Add eggs and water to a bowl and beat slightly with a fork. Place a large skillet or wok over medium low heat and spray with a little nonstick cooking spray (alternatively you can use a little oil). Add eggs to the pan and season with a little salt and pepper, scramble and cook eggs until done but still slightly wet. Transfer eggs to a bowl and set aside.
3. Once rice is done cooking, you can start cooking your veggies. Wipe the same large skillet or wok you used clean with a paper towel, then add in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or sesame oil and place over medium high heat. Add in pineapple, garlic, ginger, green onion and red bell pepper; saute for 4-6 minutes until pineapple starts to caramelize and turn slightly golden brown on the edges. 
4. Next add in the remaining veggies: red cabbage, carrots and edamame. Saute for 3-5 more minutes, stirring frequently. Transfer all of the veggies to a large plate or bowl.
5. Now it’s time to fry up the rice! Add the remaining ½ tablespoon oil to the same pan and place over medium heat. Add in your cooked rice and cook, stirring frequently for 2-4 minutes. 
6. Add all of your cooked veggies plus the cooked eggs back to the pan. Stir in the the chili paste, soy sauce and cashews and cook for a few more minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. You may want to add another tablespoon of soy sauce or even some crushed red pepper flakes for a little hint of spice. It’s up to you. 
7. Garnish with additional nuts, cilantro and a little extra green onion. Serves 4.