Quinoa Mac and Cheese

I have been wanting to make quinoa mac and cheese for awhile now. I finally went for it last weekend. This dish was super easy to make and so tasty. The recipe I found called for a few sauteed veggies added in but you could totally do it without veggies if you want. I used tomatoes, shallots and spinach and thought it was the perfect combo. Next time I plan to add in a few different types of cheese to spice things up. I think it would be killer with feta or goat cheese added in. I am actually eating the leftovers as I type this post, it reheats perfectly! I served my quinoa with an arugula salad and fresh toasted bread. I thought it was the perfect meal (side note- The hubs disagreed about this meal and said we needed some meat). Enjoy!




QUINOA MAC AND CHEESE
Ingredients
•2 tsp olive oil
•1 med. leek white and pale green parts halved and sliced (1 cup)- I used one shallot instead
•1/2 cup diced tomato (I also added in a few handfuls of fresh spinach)
•1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
•good pinch of salt
•2 cloves garlic, minced
•2 large eggs
•1 cup milk
•1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese, more for sprinkling
•Optional- Panko Bread crumbs for topping (I used Panko Bread Crumbs)
•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 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 ( I used two cups water and 1 cup chicken broth for added flavor) and season with salt and pepper. 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.)