Ingredients
2cupsvegetable broth,or water
1cupquinoa,any color, rinsed under running water in a mesh sieve for a minute and drained
16ozbroccoli florets,pre-packaged or sliced from 2 large bunches of broccoli
2tbspolive oil
¾tspsalt
freshly ground black pepper,10 twists
¼tspred pepper flakes,omit if sensitive to spice
8ozcheddar cheese,about 2½ cups, freshly grated, divided
1cuplow-fat milk,cow’s milk or unsweetened plain almond milk
½tbspbutter,or 1½ teaspoons olive oil
1garlic clove,pressed or minced
1slicewhole wheat bread,substitute gluten-free bread for a gluten-free casserole
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Bring the vegetable broth or water to boil in a heavy-bottomed, medium-sized pot. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, then simmer uncovered for 17 to 20 minutes, or until all of the liquid is absorbed.
Cover and set aside to steam for 10 minutes.
Slice any large broccoli florets in half to make bite-sized pieces. Transfer the broccoli to the prepared baking sheet and toss with olive oil, until lightly coated on all sides.
Sprinkle with salt and arrange in a single layer. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and starting to caramelize on the edges.
Tear the piece of bread into bite-sized pieces and toss them into a food processor or blender. Process until the bread has broken into small crumbs. In a small pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, stirring often. Add the bread crumbs and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until slightly browned and crisp. Set aside to cool. If using a cast-iron skillet, transfer them to a bowl to prevent them from burning.
Reduce the oven heat to 350 degrees F.
Add the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pot of quinoa, and stir to combine.
Set aside ¾ cup of the cheese for later, then add the rest of the cheese to the pot. Pour in the milk and stir until the cheese and milk are evenly incorporated in the quinoa.
Pour the cheesy quinoa into a 9-inch square baking dish and top with the roasted broccoli. Stir until the broccoli is evenly mixed in with the quinoa.
Sprinkle the surface of the casserole with the reserved ¾ cup of cheese, then sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top.
Bake, uncovered for 25 minutes until the top is golden. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
