Quinoa Mac & Cheese
Try this Quinoa Mac and Cheese recipe
Try this Quinoa Mac and Cheese recipe
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa rinsed and drained
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 medium leek white and light green parts, halved and sliced
- 1 cup tomato, red pepper, yellow pepper diced
- 1/2 teaspoon course sea salt
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt i use lawhorn's signature seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups broth vegetable or chicken
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour unbleached
- 2 cups vanilla-flavored almond milk (or soy milk)
- Carbohydrate 35.0437170881095 g
- Cholesterol 30.0962500059936 mg
- Fat 14.268816483726 g
- Fiber 3.02575195282724 g
- Protein 18.1129560827611 g
- Saturated Fat 7.11350682860474 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (347g)
- Sodium 40610.397185872 mg
- Sugar 32.0179651352822 g
- Trans Fat 0.88518448430612 g
- Calories 340 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat olive oil in medium pan over medium heat.
- Add leek; sauté 2-3 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and bell peppers; cover and cook until veggies are tender (~5-7 minutes).
- Stir in quinoa and garlic; cook, uncovered, ~5 minutes or until quinoa starts to turn opaque.
- Add water and stock; season with salt and seasoning salt.
- Cover and reduce heat to med-low and simmer 15-20 minutes or until most liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove pan from heat and let rest 5 minutes.
- To make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan.
- Blend in flour, mustard, salt and pepper.
- Cook until mixture is smooth.
- Gradually add milk.
- Cook and slowly stir mixture over medium heat until the mixture boils.
- Simmer ~1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add cheese.
- Stir slowly until cheese is melted.
- 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 (if you feel you need more cheese, add here.) Stir very well and let some of the cheese melt. (Will seem a little “soupy,” do not worry, it will all mold together.)
- Transfer to prepared baking dish and if using Panko crumbs or bread crumbs, add now. You can also sprinkle a bit more cheese on now if you prefer for topping.
- Bake 25-35 mins, (or until browned around edges.)
- 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.
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Quinoa Mac & Cheese
As a busy professional, juggling client meetings, networking events, and the occasional spontaneous weekend getaway, finding time for elaborate cooking is a luxury I rarely afford myself. My typical weeknight dinner consists of something quick, easy, and preferably requires minimal cleanup. However, last week, a strange craving hit me – a craving for something comforting, cheesy, and surprisingly healthy. Enter: Quinoa Mac & Cheese.
Now, I'll admit, I’m not exactly known for my culinary skills. My kitchen expertise mostly revolves around perfecting the art of the quick microwave meal and mastering the technique of the perfectly toasted bagel. So, when I stumbled upon this recipe, I was initially hesitant. Quinoa? In mac and cheese? It sounded… unconventional, to say the least. But desperate times, as they say, call for desperate measures (and a desperate need for something other than takeout).
To my utter astonishment, this recipe was not only surprisingly easy to follow, but the result was absolutely delicious. The quinoa added a delightful nutty flavor and a satisfying texture that elevated the dish beyond your average boxed mac and cheese. The creamy cheese sauce, rich and decadent, perfectly complemented the slightly earthy quinoa. I was so pleasantly surprised by the outcome that I've already added it to my regular rotation of weeknight dinners.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, and seasonings. I've tried it with a blend of cheddar and Gruyère, and it was divine. Adding roasted vegetables like butternut squash or broccoli would also add a wonderful depth of flavor. The possibilities are truly endless.
This recipe became more than just a quick meal; it became a testament to the unexpected joys of culinary experimentation. It's a reminder that even the simplest dishes can be transformed into something extraordinary with just a little bit of creativity and a willingness to step outside of one's comfort zone. And for a busy professional like me, that’s a valuable lesson indeed. I highly recommend giving this Quinoa Mac & Cheese a try; it's a delicious and healthy way to add some excitement to your weeknight dinners. Plus, the leftovers are amazing cold!
Beyond the simple pleasure of a satisfying meal, this recipe has opened my eyes to the versatility of quinoa. It’s become a staple in my pantry, showing up not only in mac and cheese but also in salads, soups, and even as a healthy alternative to rice. The potential for culinary adventures is endless, and I can’t wait to explore more of what this amazing grain has to offer.
So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and surprisingly delicious meal that will impress even the most discerning palate (even your own!), give this Quinoa Mac & Cheese recipe a try. You might just find yourself pleasantly surprised, like I was. It's a perfect example of how even the simplest ingredients can create a truly extraordinary dish.
Beyond the Recipe: Finding Joy in the Everyday
This recipe, for me, is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions. It's a symbol of finding joy in the everyday, in the simple act of creating something delicious and nourishing. It's about embracing the unexpected, stepping outside of my comfort zone, and discovering new flavors and possibilities. It’s a small act of self-care in a busy life, a reminder that even amidst the chaos, there’s always time for a little culinary creativity.
In today's fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities and forget to savor the little things. This recipe is a reminder to slow down, appreciate the simple pleasures, and take joy in the process of cooking and eating. It’s a chance to connect with myself and with my food, to appreciate the nourishment it provides, both physically and emotionally. And that, my friends, is a recipe for a truly fulfilling life.
