Description
A simple, high-protein casserole combining quinoa, lentils, and spinach baked until tender and savory.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond or soy)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth (extra, for moisture)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Combine the rinsed quinoa, rinsed lentils, and 3 cups of vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until most liquid is absorbed and grains are tender. Drain any excess liquid.
- While the grains cook, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and lentil mixture, the cooked onion and garlic, the squeezed dry spinach, nutritional yeast, plant milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. Add the extra 1/2 cup of vegetable broth if the mixture seems too dry.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly set and the casserole is heated through.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute brown or green lentils; red lentils will break down too much.
- For a richer flavor, use mushroom broth instead of vegetable broth for cooking the grains.
- This casserole freezes well; cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F (175°C).
- Serve with a side of roasted broccoli or a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 65
- Fiber: 18
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 0