Quinoa Mac N' Cheese

Quinoa Mac n’ cheese, a delicious & healthy meal. Delicious because it’s full of cheesy goodness, and healthy cause quinoa is filled with protein! Healthy really does = Happy. I bought a small bag of quinoa a few weeks ago to make Blueberry Breakfast Quinoa. I was not impressed, but still wanted to use up the rest of the quinoa (waste not, want not)! So I searched and searched for a mouthwatering recipe on Pinterest, and this is what I found. Quinoa Mac n’ Cheese!

First I sauteed up the veggies. Rinsed and then added the quinoa & gralic to them, and let it cook for about 3-5 mins uncovered. I then added the water to it once it started to turn opaque. Pour in the water & salt, and simmer for about 5-10 mins. Turn off heat and let sit for 5 mins. Pre-heat the oven to 350, and while it's heating- whisk up the eggs & milk in a large bowl. Then fold in the quinoa mixture and Cheese, until well mixed and some of the cheese is melted.

After I mixed everything together- I sprayed the dish with olive oil spray, and poured it into a glass pie dish (I cut the recipe in half, it's just me and my husband). Topped with panko bread crumbs & a little shredded cheese. Popped it in the oven & and let it toast up for about 30-35 mins till everything is melty & heated through. A bit brown around the edges will tell you it's done!

The veggies I added are- red peppers, green peppers, yellow onions, zucchini, fresh tomato, and yellow squash. What can I say, I love my veggies! And anyone that knows me, knows that I don’t like to spend money. So I know you’re probably thinking- “All those veggies aren't in season this time of year, and can be expensive!” When you go to your local supermarket, look for a little sale rack/area in the produce section. Some stores try to make their money back by marking down veggies before they are about to expire, and hide them in the back. I got all my veggies for under $3!

This mac n’ cheese isn’t your typical mac n’ cheese (for obvious reasons- no noodles), but it’s also not incredibly moist. The quinoa kinda soaks up all the moisture. So what I did, and would recommend is just a dollop if sour cream on each serving. Next time I might try adding a little chicken broth before I pop it in the oven.

You can add whatever toppings you want to 'make it your own'- Bacon bits, extra cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, scallions, you get the idea!

Quinoa Mac N’ Cheese

Recipe adapted from Monica Nelson Fitness.

Serving Size: Can serve 6-8

Ingredients

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 med. onion
• 1/2 cup diced tomato, or red/green pepper
• 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
• good pinch of salt
• a few grinds of seasoning salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup soy milk, non-fat milk, or milk of choice
• 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese, more for sprinkling
• Optional- Crushed Red Pepper, Panko Bread crumbs for topping
• Toppings (optional)- salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, scallions (you get the picture)

Directions

1. Heat oil in med. saucepan over med. heat. Add leek and tomatoes (or bell peppers-or any veggies you want really); cover and cook 5 mins or until tender. Stir in quinoa and garlic, and cook, uncovered, 3-4 mins, or until grains start to turn opaque. (They will not fully be cooked yet.)
2. Add 3 cups water and season with salt and the Seasoning Salt (I like Lawry's or Everyday Seasoning). Cover and reduce heat to med-low and simmer 5-10 more, or until most liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand 5 mins.
3. Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat 13x9 inch dish with cooking spray. Whisk together eggs and milk in large bowl. Fold in quinoa mixture 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 add now and bake 30-35 mins, (or until browned around edges.)
4. Now you can toss with many toppings, some ideas: salsa, scallions, sour cream, and hot sauce! I serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a salad and a nice slice of good hearty bread.

NOTE: Many readers wanted to know how many Calories this AMAZING meal has. Divided into 6 servings: 339 Calories per serving.

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