Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa: A Delicious and Nutritious Comfort Food Recipe

Looking for a healthy and satisfying meal that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than cheesy broccoli quinoa! This recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch. The creamy cheese sauce perfectly complements the earthy quinoa and slightly bitter broccoli, creating a flavor combination that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, and spices. Want to add a little kick? Try incorporating some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Need more protein? Add some cooked chicken, tofu, or beans. The possibilities are endless!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa

• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• Delicious and Flavorful: The cheesy sauce and broccoli create a perfect flavor combination.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe a breeze.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients.
• Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
• Great for Meal Prep: Makes excellent leftovers for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Quinoa: The base of our dish, providing protein and fiber. Use pre-rinsed quinoa or rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.
• Broccoli: Adds essential vitamins, minerals, and a slightly bitter flavor that balances the cheese. Fresh or frozen broccoli florets work well.
• Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Gruyere cheese creates a rich and flavorful sauce. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a touch of Parmesan.
• Butter: Used to create the roux, the foundation of our creamy cheese sauce. Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the salt level of the dish.
• Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. All-purpose flour works best.
• Milk: The liquid component of the cheese sauce, contributing to its creaminess. Whole milk or 2% milk are recommended for the richest flavor, but skim milk can be used for a lower-fat option.
• Chicken Broth (or Vegetable Broth): Adds flavor and moisture to the quinoa as it cooks. Using broth instead of water will significantly enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that build flavor in the cheese sauce. Finely chop them for even distribution.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the cheese sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.
• Optional Toppings: Breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added texture and flavor.

Detailed Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

First, we need to cook the quinoa. This step is crucial for the overall texture and taste of the dish. Here’s how to do it perfectly:

1. Rinse the Quinoa: Place 1 cup of quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly under cold water for at least 30 seconds. This removes any saponins, which can give the quinoa a bitter taste.
2. Combine Quinoa and Broth: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth).
3. Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
5. Fluff with a Fork: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork. This helps to separate the grains and prevents them from clumping together.
6. Set Aside: Set the cooked quinoa aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Next, we’ll prepare the broccoli. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli for this recipe. If using frozen, thaw it slightly before proceeding.

1. Chop the Broccoli: Cut 2 cups of broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Make sure the pieces are relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly.
2. Steam or Blanch the Broccoli: You have two options for cooking the broccoli: steaming or blanching. Steaming preserves more nutrients, while blanching can help to brighten the color.
   • Steaming: Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket set over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
   • Blanching: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
3. Set Aside: Set the cooked broccoli aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Now, for the star of the show: the creamy, cheesy sauce! This is where the magic happens.

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the sauce bitter.
3. Make a Roux: Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. The roux is a mixture of fat and flour that thickens the sauce.
4. Gradually Add the Milk: Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it coats the back of a spoon.
6. Add the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese (or your preferred cheese blend). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Season the Sauce: Stir in 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper (or to taste). Adjust the seasonings as needed to your preference.

Step 4: Combine and Bake (Optional)

At this point, you can choose to either serve the cheesy broccoli quinoa immediately or bake it for a slightly more decadent dish.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, steamed or blanched broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish (Optional): If baking, transfer the quinoa mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs or additional shredded cheese for a crispy topping.
4. Bake (Optional): Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the dish is heated through.
5. Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as carrots, peas, corn, or spinach. Add them along with the broccoli or during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
• Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, tofu, beans, or lentils for a more substantial meal.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese blends to find your favorite flavor combination. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Parmesan are all great options.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Ensure all your ingredients are gluten-free, including the broth and cheese.
• Make it Vegan: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives to create a vegan version of this dish.
• Make it Ahead: Prepare the quinoa, broccoli, and cheese sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving or baking.
• Breadcrumb Topping: Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese for a crispy and flavorful topping.
• Add Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a salty and savory flavor to the dish.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to add a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy broccoli quinoa can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As a Main Course: Serve with a side salad or a piece of crusty bread.
• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
• For Lunch: Pack leftovers in a container for a healthy and satisfying lunch.
• Potluck Dish: This dish is perfect for potlucks and gatherings.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per Serving, based on a recipe serving 6)

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 15-20g
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Fiber: 5-7g

Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.

Printable Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:

Conclusion

Cheesy broccoli quinoa is a versatile and delicious recipe that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With its healthy ingredients and customizable options, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and get cooking! You won’t be disappointed.

Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious dish. Bon appétit!