Wednesday, February 15, 2012

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.)

17 comments:

Sadie + Stella said...

Mwahahahah!! Finally! The recipe is mine. I am going to be making this asap, no doubt. Just bought a brand new super sized bag of quinoa last night and proceeded to drop it all over my entryway floor. Winning.

Liz said...

This looks so yummy. I *heart* mac and cheese and quinoa so I need to try this STAT. Did Sterling enjoy it too? What is it with men and meat? Happy Hump Day!

Kyle said...

Can't wait to make this one. Thanks, Natalie!

Alex {Things That Sparkle} said...

I need this to be mine. YUM

Megan {Willow & Co.} said...

Oh my gosh,that's brilliant! I love that and will definitely be making this ASAP!

Tara {The Silver Lining} said...

I'm really really excited about this recipe!! I think that absolutely looks like a perfect meal! But I know my husband would've said the same thing yours did. :) Thanks for the recipe!

Unknown said...

um, yum! thanks for posting! I'm totally making.

Sunkissed and Southern said...

This looks delicious. I totally am going to make it!! Thanks for sharing.

natasha {schue love} said...

MMM I love mac & cheese...this is such a fun take on a classic!

Kim @ keller-creative said...

I love mac and cheese (we even had a mac and cheese station at our wedding!) I'm excited to try this version.

Chassity (Look Linger Love) said...

I think it looks delicious!

Gaby [The Vault Files] said...

I have a package of quinoa and I've been waiting to "stumble upon" a recipe to use it, I think I'm going to try this ;)

Pris said...

Wow, looks so good! My husband would say the same thing about needing meat!

MEGAN ELVRUM said...

OMG HUGE fan of mac&cheese & now quinoa, so this would be perfecto! my hubs would hate it too! :)

Mae B said...

What?! this is amazing! it looks delicious and so perfect that it's with quinoa! can't wait to try this! xx

Taylor said...

yummy. this makes me feel like I'd be being "healthy" eating bowl after bowl of this!

Content Director - Strong Female Leaders said...

Yum! Looks delicious.