Kale and Quinoa Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

Before you start cooking, let’s gather everything you need. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using wholesome ingredients you might already have in your pantry and fridge.

Main Ingredients:

• Quinoa: 1 cup, rinsed
• Kale: 4 cups, chopped (about one bunch)
• Vegetable broth: 2 cups (for cooking quinoa)
• Cheese: 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Eggs: 2 large eggs (for binding)
• Onion: 1 medium, finely diced
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced

Optional Add-Ins:

• Cherry tomatoes: Halved, for a pop of color and flavor
• Mushrooms: Sliced, for an earthy touch
• Herbs and spices: Thyme, paprika, or chili flakes for added flavor
• Protein boost: Add shredded chicken or chickpeas if you want extra protein

Seasoning:

• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Olive oil: For sautéing

Now that you’ve got your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Kale and Quinoa Casserole

1. Cook the Quinoa

Cooking quinoa is straightforward, but there’s a trick to getting it light and fluffy every time.

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with vegetable broth (or water for a lighter flavor).
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
4. Once the liquid is absorbed, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

This step is where the flavors really start to build.

1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
3. Toss in the chopped kale and cook until it’s wilted but still vibrant green. If you’re adding mushrooms or tomatoes, this is the time to include them.

3. Combine and Season

Now it’s time to bring everything together.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheese.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk the eggs and pour them into the mixture. The eggs act as a binder, holding the casserole together.
3. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices you love. Give everything a good mix until well combined.

4. Assemble and Bake

The final step is assembling your casserole and letting the oven work its magic.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into the dish and top with an extra sprinkle of cheese for a golden crust.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly browned.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. The wait is worth it!