Cheesy Quinoa Mac and Cheese

 

Recipe of the Day

Cheesy Quinoa Mac and Cheese

I have been looking for a yummy kid friendly recipe using Quinoa vs pasta.  There are so many health benefits to using it, I really want to incorporate it more into our diet as a healthier vegan source of protein.

After hearing so much hype about Quinoa, I did some research.  I found that while most commonly considered a grain, is actually a relative of leafy green vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard, sweet!

This is an excerpt from WHfoods.com that was a great summary of the health benefits...

"A recently rediscovered ancient "grain" native to South America, quinoa was once called "the gold of the Incas," who recognized its value in increasing the stamina of their warriors. Not only is quinoa high in protein, but the protein it supplies is complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids. Not only is quinoa's amino acid profile well balanced, making it a good choice for vegans concerned about adequate protein intake, but quinoa is especially well-endowed with the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. In addition to protein, quinoa features a host of other health-building nutrients. Because quinoa is a very good source of manganese as well as a good source of magnesium, folate, and phosphorus, this "grain" may be especially valuable for persons with migraine headaches, diabetes and atherosclerosis."       

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
• Veggies of your choice (optional)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese, more for sprinkling
• Optional- Crushed Red Pepper, Bread crumbs for topping
• Toppings (optional)- salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, scallions

1. Lightly saute any veggies you would like in this dish. (I used whatever I had in the fridge which happened to be mushrooms, onions and peas today)
   
2.  Cook quinoa to packaged instructions until fully cooked. (About 15-20 minutes)
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 add Bread crumbs if using.  Finish with sprinkling more cheese over the top.  Bake 30-35 mins.  

Rating:  B-
You have to get used to Quinoa as the texture is unlike anything I've ever cooked before.  I thought it was going to be similar to couscous which we cook a lot but it is nothing like it.  My kids initially were very uncertain as it looks kinda strange after cooking.  If I hadn't let Molly see it, I think should have given it a better chance. Bryon doesn't get to give a rating as he doesn't like cheese.  I personally really enjoyed it.  I added a good bit of pepper for taste and I think it needs more cheese and salt than the recipe calls for.  With a few tinkerings, I'll definitely try this again.