Cheesy Quinoa Bake with Vegetables
Indulge in this delightful Cheesy Quinoa Bake, a nutritious one-dish meal that combines the ancient superfood quinoa with vibrant vegetables and savory cheese. Originating from the Andean regions, quinoa is packed with essential amino acids and is gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for various dietary preferences. This recipe is not only quick and easy, cooking in just 15 minutes, but it also appeals to the whole family. Even those who are skeptical of quinoa will find it hard to resist this cheesy rendition! The combination of leeks, bell peppers, and garlic creates a fragrant base, while the melty cheese topping adds a rich and creamy finish. Enjoy this dish as a wholesome lunch or dinner option, and feel free to customize it to suit your taste buds. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd!
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (for cooking)
Leek
1 medium (white and pale green parts halved and sliced (1 cup, can substitute with green onions))
Red bell pepper
1/2 cup (diced)
Green bell pepper
1/2 cup (diced)
Quinoa
1 1/2 cups (rinsed and drained)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced (2 tsp.))
Eggs
2 large (whisked)
Milk
1 cup (or up to 2 cups for more moisture)
Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated (can use a mix of sharp cheddar & pecorino romano))
Instant chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon (or salt to taste)
Sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (for added flavor)
Instructions
1
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped leek and bell peppers, then cover and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they become tender.
2
2. Stir in the rinsed quinoa, minced garlic, and sesame seeds. Cook, uncovered, for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the quinoa grains to turn opaque.
3
3. Add 3 cups of water to the pan and season with the chicken bouillon granules. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes.
4
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
5
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Gently fold in the quinoa mixture along with 80% of the grated cheese. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking dish, leveling it out evenly.
6
6. Sprinkle the remaining 20% of the cheese evenly on top of the quinoa mixture.
7
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are slightly crisp.
8
8. For an extra cheesy finish, once removed from the oven, sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the top. Cover with aluminum foil and allow it to sit for a few minutes on the stovetop, enabling the cheese to melt into a gooey layer.
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9. Optionally, for added color, you can dust the melted cheese layer with a little bright red paprika before serving.
10
10. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, cheesy quinoa bake with your family and friends!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
45g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Quinoa Bake with Vegetables?
It is a nutritious one-dish meal that combines quinoa with vibrant vegetables and savory cheese, originating from the Andean regions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this dish a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
How long does it take to cook?
The stovetop preparation takes about 15 minutes, followed by 30 to 35 minutes of baking in the oven.
Can I substitute the leeks?
Yes, you can substitute the medium leek with green onions if preferred.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Cheddar cheese is suggested, though a mix of sharp cheddar and pecorino romano works very well.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish containing quinoa, eggs, cheese, and vegetables.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
What vegetables are included in this bake?
The recipe calls for leeks, red bell peppers, and green bell peppers.
Do I need to rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Yes, the instructions specify using 1 1/2 cups of quinoa that has been rinsed and drained.
What can I use instead of chicken bouillon?
You can use salt to taste or substitute with vegetable bouillon granules.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for meal prep as it is a hearty one-dish meal that can be easily portioned.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides 18.75g of protein per serving.
How can I make the cheese topping extra gooey?
Sprinkle additional cheese over the top after baking, cover with foil, and let it sit for a few minutes.
Why are sesame seeds added to the recipe?
Sesame seeds are added during the sautéing process to provide additional flavor and texture.
Can I adjust the moisture level of the bake?
Yes, you can use between 1 and 2 cups of milk depending on how much moisture you prefer.
What size baking dish is required?
A 13x9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray is recommended.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome meal packed with essential amino acids and nutritious vegetables.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 12.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 45g of carbohydrates.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 large whisked eggs.
Can I add a garnish for color?
Yes, you can dust the melted cheese layer with a little bright red paprika before serving.
How long should the quinoa simmer on the stove?
Simmer the quinoa for approximately 3 to 4 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
How much quinoa is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of quinoa.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe suggests using 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is designed to appeal to the whole family, including those who may be skeptical of quinoa.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves, which is roughly 2 teaspoons.
When do I add the cheese during the process?
Eighty percent is folded into the quinoa mixture, and the remaining twenty percent is sprinkled on top before baking.
What is the preparation time for the vegetables?
The leeks and peppers are covered and cooked for about 5 minutes until tender.
Can I use different types of bell peppers?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup each of red and green bell peppers, but you can customize these to your preference.