Quinoa & Butternut Squash Gratin

Total Time: 1 hr Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 1 1/2 lbs butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 cup quinoa (organic)
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons shallots
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese or 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• salt and pepper

Recipe

• 1 preheat oven to 400.
• 2 spray a 2-quart dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• 3 peel and cube the butternut squash, then put in a microwave safe bowl.
• 4 microwave on high for 3-5 minutes until squash is soft and tender.
• 5 wash the quinoa in a fine sieve thoroughly (about 5 minutes) until water runs clear. this is very important, as quinoa has a bitter protective coating that can linger even after processing.
• 6 transfer squash and quinoa to a large pot. add water and salt to pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and the quinoa blooms into little spirals.
• 7 remove from heat and let rest.
• 8 meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a small frying pan.
• 9 add shallots and cook 3 minutes.
• 10 add garlic and cook a minute or two longer, being careful not to let garlic burn.
• 11 pour over quinoa and squash mixture, mixing thoroughly.
• 12 add eggs, 3/4 cup of the cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
• 13 transfer to prepared baking dish.
• 14 sprinkle remaining cheese and bread crumbs over gratin.
• 15 drizzle remaining 1 tablespoons of olive oil on top and bake for 35-45 minutes or until top is golden brown.