Description
This Roasted Veggie & Quinoa Bake is a wholesome, comforting dish that combines fluffy quinoa, vibrant roasted vegetables, and optional melted cheese for a nutritious meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, it offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors with a healthy dose of plant-based protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Scale
Quinoa and Broth
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables and baking the final dish.
- Rinse the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness and impurities.
- Cook the Quinoa: In a pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until the quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, chop the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast the Vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Combine Quinoa and Vegetables: Once the quinoa and roasted vegetables are ready, mix them together in a large bowl to combine flavors.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using, stir in the shredded cheese into the quinoa and vegetable mixture for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Bake the Combined Dish: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for an additional 10 minutes in the oven to melt the cheese and blend the flavors together.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the mix of vegetables based on what you have available or prefer.
- To make this dish vegan, omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil after baking can enhance the flavor.
- This dish can also be made gluten-free as quinoa is naturally gluten-free.