Prepare to be amazed by a culinary masterpiece that combines the nutty richness of quinoa with the sweet, velvety texture of red kuri squash! This Vegetable Quinoa Bake is not just another recipe – it's a game-changing dish that will revolutionize your meal planning, offering a perfect balance of nutrition, flavor, and pure comfort. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves delicious, wholesome meals, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 small red kuri squash, diced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare the red kuri squash by washing, cutting in half, removing seeds, and dicing into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size.
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and slightly golden, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add diced red kuri squash to the skillet and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until squash begins to soften.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, sautéed squash and onions, and chopped spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. If using cheese, sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Drizzle additional olive oil over the top and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and dish to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired. Can be enjoyed as a main dish or side course.
Tips
- Quinoa Washing is Key: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make your dish taste bitter. Use a fine-mesh strainer and rinse until the water runs clear.
- Squash Cutting Hack: To easily dice red kuri squash, first microwave it for 2-3 minutes to soften the skin, making it easier to cut and peel.
- Cheese Lover's Option: For a more indulgent version, try mixing different cheeses like sharp cheddar and gruyère for a more complex flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Customization is Encouraged: Feel free to swap spinach with kale or add roasted garlic for an extra flavor punch. This recipe loves creativity!
- Perfect Doneness: The top should be golden and slightly crispy. If it's browning too quickly, cover with foil to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
