Broccoli And Green Bean Quinoa With Broccoli Pesto Recipes

BROCCOLI AND GREEN BEANS

Steps:

• In a large pot, bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil. Have ready a large bowl of ice water. Place broccoli into pot and cook for 2 minutes. You just want to parboil the broccoli at this point since you will saute it later on. Using a spider strainer, remove broccoli from pot and shock it in a bowl of ice water. When broccoli is completely cool, place it in a colander and allow to drain. Refresh the bowl of ice water. Bring the water back to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 4 minutes. Like the broccoli, you just want to parboil the green beans. Remove green beans from pot with spider strainer and add to ice water. When green beans are completely cool, add them to the colander and allow to drain.
• In a large saute pan, heat olive oil. When almost smoking, add the garlic and saute for about 45 seconds. When the garlic starts to brown, remove immediately and discard. Overcooking the garlic will impart a very bitter taste to the dish. Add the red pepper flakes, broccoli and green beans to the pan and cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

BROCCOLI & QUINOA CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Position oven rack 5 inches from broiler; preheat to 350°F. Lightly coat a 13-by-9-inch broiler-safe baking dish with cooking spray. Combine water, quinoa, oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook, undisturbed, for 10 minutes. Add broccoli to the mixture (do not stir); cover and continue cooking until all the water is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
• Transfer the quinoa mixture to a large bowl. Add beans, milk, yogurt, thyme, garlic, pepper, onion powder, 1 1/2 cups cheese and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gently stir until evenly combined. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
• Bake until heated through and the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes. Set oven to broil (without removing the dish). Broil until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Remove from oven; let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional thyme, if desired.

BROCCOLI AND GREEN BEAN QUINOA (WITH BROCCOLI PESTO)

Steps:

• Break down your broccoli into small florets. Peel and chop the stems. You will use 2 cups of the stems and less attractive florets for the pesto and leave the remaining 3 cups of beautiful florets for the quinoa dish.
• Boil the 2 cups of broccoli stems for the pesto until they are cooked through. Drain.
• Now boil the 3 cups of broccoli and the 3 cups of green beans.
• While the broccoli and green beans are cooking, create your pesto. Using an immersion blender or a food processor, puree the broccoli with the oil, lemon juice, garlic cloves, almond pieces and mayonnaise. Add garlic salt, pepper and dill to taste. I use my immersion blender in a large mason jar and it works perfectly. Set aside.
• Once the broccoli and green beans are cooked to your liking, remove from the water. Add the rinsed quinoa to the broccoli/green bean water and boil for about 5-10 minutes (until the quinoa gets fluffy and the little tails pop out). Drain the quinoa.
• Throw the quinoa and the vegetables back into the pot and mix well. Add about 1/2 of the pesto to the quinoa mix, combine well and taste. Continue to add the pesto and taste until it is to your liking. Any left over pesto can be stored for later. Add any final seasonings to adjust the dish based on your personal tastes and enjoy!