Mauvish, it's funny you should ask. We had quinoa last night. I cooked it in the rice cooker with chicken stock. And as you suggested, in another pan I cooked mushrooms and shallots in olive oil, then combined them. It was delicious! My husband really liked it. I need to make the garlic ginger paste as you've described. Thank you for your delicious ideas.

*** insert happy dance with big grin here ***

i ate same thing last night too

So... I got a ready-to-eat meal: quinoa and artichoke and a little diced red bell pepper. It was really good. I'd make it myself for real.