Vegetarian Comfort Food: Pizza Quinoa Casserole

By Erica H.

I have found, through many years of rigorous testing, that the likelihood of my enjoying a recipe is often directly related to the similarity of said recipe to pizza. That is to say, if I encounter gooey cheese in combination with a spicy tomato sauce, my reptilian brain takes over and I immediately begin the process of establishing dominance and territory, fending off any potential competitors in the area.

I think that's how that works.

At any rate, this excellent recipe for Pizza Quinoa Casserole from Food Doodles has proven near-magical in its ability to swallow up any amount of vegetables you care to throw in it and still come out very, very pizza-esque.

I'm not saying the recipe is perfect as written. It does indicate that this is a side dish (look at that picture and try to tell me with a straight face that you need to add another element) and suggests that you "sprinkle with cheese if desired," emphasis mine. Because, really. All kidding aside, if you want to make this vegan, just include the nutritional yeast flakes and leave off the delicious, melty mozz, because it's my understanding that yeast flakes add a clear-conscience cheesy flavor. I use both, just in case.

I have added red peppers, spinach, squash, and broccoli to this, and it has all come out pizza-flavored. It is excellent in leftover form, which in my world is high praise indeed. I definitely recommend that you whip up a batch of your own, but if you see me coming, it's probably safest to clear out.

Comments

[Tara C.]

This looks really good. I bought a bag of quinoa at Costco that seems to be bottomless, so this would be a good way to use it.

[Diane]

I can't wait to try this!