Quinoa :)

Going to a party where every one eats meat is not always easy for our family. Most people do not know how to deal with the fact that we do not eat any type of red meat. Yes, Spam is considered meat...(sort of)... The typical party food of rice with pork/beef or the baked ziti with loads of cheese and ground beef, roast pork, or beef stew, hamburgers etc... is not something my family is used to eating. 

We are going to one such party today to celebrate a family member's baby's 1st birth day. It is not a day I want to miss out on, so I offered to make things easier for the host by cooking our own meal and bringing some to share. There are so many options for delicious dishes that can be brought to a picnic, party, or any gathering.

I searched on the Vegetarian Times web site and found this recipe. This will be my first time making it, I will be tweaking it a bit, adding a few more veggies than it calls for. Hopefully it will be received well by every one.

Always make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove any toxins, I soak mine for about 10 minutes, rinse and then soak again for another 10 minutes, then rinse it again before using it. This will ensure that the quinoa is not bitter and is safe to consume. 

Peruvian Baked Quinoa and Cheese

Serves 8

Think of this recipe as a protein-packed, gluten-free alternative to mac ’n’ cheese.

• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1 medium leek, white and pale green parts halved and sliced (1 cup)
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup diced green bell pepper
• 1 ½ cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup nonfat milk
• 1 ½ cups grated Cheddar cheese (4 oz.), plus more for sprinkling, optional

1. Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add leek and bell peppers; cover, and cook 5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in quinoa and garlic, and cook, uncovered, 3 to 4 minutes, or until quinoa grains turn opaque.

2. Add 3 cups water, and season with salt. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 3 to 4 minutes more, or until most liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Whisk together eggs and milk in large bowl. Fold in quinoa mixture and cheese. Transfer to prepared baking dish, and bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until browned around the edges and on top.