Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole



I made this when we were in NY. Gabe was going out with his friend Andy for dinner and I knew this would be the perfect meal for me. Max didn't care for the tiny bit I gave him but he did love the cheese!

Love the red quinoa so I used that and in place of the shape cheddar I used a Mexican blend.

Recipe adapted from The Novice Chef

Ingredients:

2 cups water
1 cup quinoa pinch of salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (depending on your heat tolerance)
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup fat free half & half
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
salt and pepper, to taste
2 heaping cups steamed broccoli (can also boil & drain broccoli)
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. I heated my oven to 375 degrees

 Grease a 9x9 baking dish and set aside or as you can see I used my oval dish.

Bring water or broth to a boil in a small saucepan and add the  quinoa and salt if using the salt. Lower the  heat to medium-low and continue to cook with the  cover on the saucepan. Cook for 18-20 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Fluff it up with  a fork and it set aside.


When the  quinoa is cooking, melt the butter. Whisk in cornstarch, cook for 30 seconds. Add the onion and garlic and  sauté for 5 minutes . Stir in the mustard and cayenne pepper and cook for 30 seconds more.

Slowly whisk in the  cold milk and half & half. Simmer for 7-9 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted. Toss the cooked quinoa/broccoli and make sure the combination is covered with the sauce. Add to the prepared baking dish and top with parmesan cheese.



Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned. Serve immediately.

13 comments:

  1. Looks like one I will try when I am feeling better.

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  2. That looks delicious. Linda. We love quinoa....hmmmm I have some broccoli here too-and some rainbow quinoa. I do believe I've found our side dish for tomorrow.

    Thank you! :)

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  3. This looks very interesting. I have never had quinoa in a dish. I give you so much credit for making all kinds of things. I tend to eat the same old same old. Been using barley a lot lately....I like that a lot.

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    1. You know me- always want to try something new!

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  4. I'm up late tonight. Had a craving for cookies so I made some & now I see real food. I still have red quinoa & this sounds so good. You always have a great dish to share, thanks!


    Hope you're feeling better & Dottie, like Linda says, keep hydrated & get lots of rest.

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    1. Craving for cookies huh? Did you make any?

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  5. HOLY SMOKES Linda.....I made this last night-and is it ever AMAZING. We had it alongside roast beef-I'll tell you what-I could have left the roast and been fine with just this. All the flavors of mac and cheese without the pasta. And I love the broccoli in it. Bob went crazy over it too-said DO NOT LOSE THIS RECIPE! No sirreee.....this is gonna be made a lot.

    Thanks SO much-and a big thanks to Jessica @ The Novice Chef for sharing the recipe on her blog....it jumped on the fast track to favorites here.

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    1. I knew you would like it. Don't worry Carol- the recipe will always be on here.One of the reasons I started the blog. A place where you will always be able to find something that you enjoy and I can find yours and Cyndy's recipes.

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  6. Lovely recipe and pics. Pinned to my board. Kitchen Dreaming's Party

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  7. I love cheesy casseroles. This looks like a tasty meatless dish. Thanks for sharing, Linda!

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