Quinoa Mac and Cheese

I really love quinoa – and for that matter I love mac and cheese.  This is a healthy and totally delicious compromise on macaroni and cheese.  It’s got fabulous texture – especially with the vegetables – and incredible flavor.  Unfortunately, there’s no picture today.  It’s difficult to get an appetizing photo of this dish.  None of the shots turned out appealing and quite frankly – I just really wanted to EAT. 

 

Ingredients:

 

1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained

3 cups chicken broth

Veggies of your choice (optional, I use onion, mushroom and zucchini)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 large eggs

A little seasoning salt

1 cup soy milk or non-fat milk

1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese, more for sprinkling

 

Optional-

Crushed Red Pepper, could be added to quinoa while cooking or to vegetables while sautéing

Panko Bread crumbs for topping while baking

Salsa, Hot Sauce, Sour Cream or Scallions for toppings

 

Directions:

 

Lightly sauté any veggies you would like in this dish, season with salt and pepper to taste. 

 

Bring the chicken broth to a boil, add the minced garlic and rinsed drained quinoa.  Place a lid on the pot and reduce heat.  Simmer until fully cooked and all liquid is absorbed.  About 20 minutes.

 

Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat 13x9 inch dish (or 8 individual ramekins) with cooking spray.

 

Whisk together eggs, seasoning salt and milk in large bowl. Fold in quinoa, sautéed vegetables  and cheese. Stir very well and let some of the cheese melt. 

 

Transfer to prepared baking dish and if using Panko Crumbs or Bread crumbs sprinkle on top now and bake 30-35 minutes, until bread crumbs are browned. 

 

Serve and enjoy – using any of the optional toppings of your choice.  I actually didn’t use anything except the Panko Crumbs.  It was delicious just by itself.

 

Click here for printable recipe.