spinach and quinoa casserole (day 2, recipe 2 of three days of quinoa)

 

This is a recipe I used to make really frequently when I first started getting into cooking. Except then I made it with rice. It's good with rice, of course, but rice doesn't have the protein and other nutritious awesomeness of quinoa, so I think this version is better.

Spinach and Quinoa Casserole is easily customizable: use other greens, mix in additional vegetables or shredded chicken, omit the tomatoes, whatever! You could also make this similar to lasagna, if you alternated layers of veggies and quinoa mixture. 

Spinach and Quinoa Casserole

serves 8-10

total time: 40 minutes

total hands on time: 15 minutes

What you'll need:

1 small onion, diced

3 cups of prepared quinoa

4-5 cups of fresh spinach

3 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup milk

1.5 cups of shredded cheese of your choice (I used mozzarella)

fresh garlic or garlic powder

salt and pepper

2-3 tomatoes, thinly sliced

What you'll do:

1.Preheat oven to 350.

2.Wilt the spinach by washing it, then quickly heating it in a saucepan until just wilted. You can also take the easy way and sprinkle a bit of water on it, then microwave for 30ish seconds.

3. Dice the onions and slice the tomatoes. Combine onions, quinoa, cheese, salt, pepper, garlic, milk and eggs in a large mixing bowl. 

4. Pour mixture into a well-greased 9x11 pan and top with tomato slices, then a bit more cheese. 

5. Bake for about 30 minutes. It's done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Go heavy on the garlic and other seasonings; I have made this a few times when it has turned out kinda blah, so season a bit more than you think you'll need. Also, be careful not to overcook this, as it can get VERY dry. Spinach and Quinoa Casserole is delicious topped with hot sauce or tomato sauce or any kind of sauce, really.

 

This is a good side, but it's also a decent vegetarian entree. I think this would be a great dish to bring to a party or even a large family meal like Thanksgiving or Easter. It's healthy but it's tasty, kind of understated but by no means boring.

This is a post in my Three Days of Quinoa Challenge. Check out my other recipes in the challenge: Quinoa as Oatmeal, Savory Quinoa Cakes,Cranberry Quinoa Muffins, Pear, Cranberry and Spinach Salad with Quinoa,  and Lemony Chickpea Quinoa.