Mixed vegetable Quinoa Casserole

Mixed vegetable quinoa casserole is saucy quinoa with all the veggies that’s baked coming together as a deliciously healthy(ish) meal. It is becoming a bi-weekly meal for us at home. Very very easy to make, this is a very convenient meal for one of those crazy days. That crusty cheese on top just takes it to the next level. A comforting meal for sure. This is great way to make children have quinoa and veggies as well.

Happy Cooking!

Servings: 3-4 servings

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cooking Time: 8-10 mins

Total Time: 30-35 mins

Ingredients: 

• 1.5 tbsp olive oil

• 1 med onion chopped

• 3 cloves garlic chopped

• 1.5 cups chopped steamed mixed veggies- I used defrosted frozen veggies

• 3 tbsp pizza/marinara sauce- I used home-made, recipe here.

• 2/3 cup milk

• 1/4 cup light cream

• 1-2 tsp salt as per taste

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 1-2 tsp chilli flakes

• 1/4 tsp cumin powder

• 2 tbsp Chopped parsley- Optional

• 1/3 cup quinoa boiled, I have used plain as well as rainbow quinoa

• 1/3-1/2 cup Italian cheese

• 3 oz paneer in thin slices- Optional

Directions: 

1. Boil quinoa and keep aside.

2. In a pan add olive oil and add onions. Cook till translucent for 2-4 mins.

3. Add the chopped garlic and cook it till it starts browning for 2-4 mins.

4. Add the chopped vegetables and mix it all together.

5. Add the boiled quinoa and mix it all together till combined.

6. Add the pizza sauce and milk, cream, chopped parsley and seasonings and mix it all together.

7. Transfer into a baking dish.

8. Sprinkle with grated cheese.

9. Top it off with thinly sliced paneer over the cheese. Optional.

10. Broil it for 8-12 mins on high till the cheese is browned and paneer starts getting crispy.

11. Serve warm.

Notes/Tips:

• Do not over boil the quinoa. I boiled in an instant pot in bean grain mode for 10 mins and natural release.

• Do not over cook the vegetables, you want a little crunch to it. Add any other vegetables you like - broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, etc.

• You can add about 1/3-1/2 cup of white sauce instead of adding milk and cream if you want, it’ll be creamier. You can skip the cream if you like.

• Use any pizza or marinara sauce. I use my homemade pizza sauce, recipe here.

• Use any cheese that melts well.

• The paneer on top is a great addition but you can skip it if you want to.

• This can be made with rice instead of quinoa if you want.

• You can make it before and keep. Just bring it to room temperature before broiling. Broil on low for 10-14 mins.