Vegetarian Quinoa & Squash Casserole

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An aromatic mixture of garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, allspice and cayenne flavors this vegetarian quinoa and squash casserole recipe. Frozen squash is a super-easy topping.

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Cook Time:
30 mins
Additional Time:
50 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 servings, about 1 2/3 cups each

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 1 tablespoon paprika

  • 2 ½ teaspoons ground cumin, divided

  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

  • 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, rinsed

  • 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes

  • 2 cups frozen chopped spinach

  • 1 cup quinoa or whole-wheat couscous

  • ½ cup golden raisins

  • 1 cup water

  • ½ teaspoon salt, divided

  • 2 10- to 12-ounce boxes frozen pureed squash, thawed

  • cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

  2. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned, 9 to 11 minutes. Add garlic, paprika, 2 teaspoons cumin, coriander, cayenne and allspice and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, spinach, quinoa (or couscous), raisins, water and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

  3. If thawed squash is watery, place in a fine-mesh sieve and gently press to extract excess liquid. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon cumin and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Spread the squash evenly over the chickpea mixture.

  4. Cover the pan and bake until steaming hot, about 45 minutes for quinoa (15 minutes for couscous). Let cool for 5 minutes. Serve sprinkled with cilantro.

Tips

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 2, transfer to a 3-quart baking dish; top with squash mixture (Step 3), cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let stand at room temperature while oven preheats. Bake, covered, until bubbling at the edges and heated through, about 45

Storage smarts: For long-term freezer storage, wrap your food in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. The plastic will help prevent freezer burn while the foil will help keep off-odors from seeping into the food.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2012

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

437 Calories
11g Fat
76g Carbs
15g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size about 1 2/3 cups
Calories 437
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 76g 28%
Dietary Fiber 14g 50%
Total Sugars 15g
Protein 15g 29%
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 1g 7%
Vitamin A 10172IU 203%
Vitamin C 24mg 26%
Folate 227mcg 57%
Sodium 741mg 32%
Calcium 205mg 16%
Iron 7mg 38%
Magnesium 160mg 38%
Potassium 1088mg 23%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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