Dinner: Summer Vegetable Stir-Fry

Recipe by /contributors/meryl-rothstein This recipe is a template, open to endless riffs depending on what vegetables you have on hand. No matter what seasonal produce you use, remember to keep an eye out for a mix of colors.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Sesame Seeds, Brown Rice, Basil

Health benefits of Summer Vegetable Stir-Fry

Sesame seeds help with progesterone balance. Lignans found in in sesame seeds help to prevent excess estrogen production. Brown rice is a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity. Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

3 cups mixed tender herbs (such as basil, Thai basil, mint, cilantro, tarragon, and celery leaves), divided
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions, divided
1 1/2" piece peeled ginger, sliced
1 garlic clove
7 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups cooked, cooled wheat berries, farro, or brown rice
4 cups chopped mixed summer vegetables (such as bell peppers, eggplant, chiles, zucchini, summer squash, carrots, celery, radishes, and cherry tomatoes)

Instructions

Combine 2 cups herbs, 1/4 cup scallions, ginger, and garlic in a mini-processor. Pulse to chop ingredients. Add 4 tablespoons oil, vinegar, and 1/4 cup water and process until a coarse purée forms. Transfer herb sauce to a bowl and stir in sesame seeds. Season to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Herb sauce can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover and chill.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until oil just begins to smoke. Add remaining 1/4 cup scallions and wheat berries. Stir-fry until wheat berries are golden brown and slightly crunchy, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Divide wheat berries among bowls.
Return skillet to medium-high heat and add remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Add vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until brightly colored and crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Add remaining 1 cup herbs and toss to combine. Divide vegetables over wheat berries. Drizzle with herb sauce.

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