Once upon a late summer afternoon, I found myself wandering through a local farmers’ market, enchanted by the vibrant colors of fresh produce. I stumbled upon a stall overflowing with sun-dried tomatoes, their rich, tangy aroma calling out to me. Right next door, a bundle of fresh spinach caught my eye, and it struck me how perfectly these two could come together in a comforting casserole. Thus, the Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Quinoa Casserole was born—a dish that not only celebrates the bounties of summer but also brings warmth and nourishment to the table.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for drizzling
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Allow it to cook for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the broth has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring that the spinach wilts slightly from the warmth of the quinoa.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, creating a deliciously cheesy crust. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for added richness.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm and watch as your friends and family savor each delightful bite of this hearty dish.
This casserole is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Enjoy the flavors of the season and the comfort of a dish that brings everyone together!