Cheesy Quinoa & Broccoli Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups quinoa, uncooked
• 2 crowns of broccoli, cut into small florets
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons of butter
• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cups milk
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon spicy brown mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a medium sauce pan, cook the quinoa in water according to package directions and then set aside.
3. In a pot, add some water and bring to a boil. Place the broccoli with the pot and cover for about 4 minutes. When done cooking rinse with cold water.
4. Return the drained broccoli to the large pot and add the quinoa.
5. In a saute pan over medium heat add olive oil and onion and garlic. Saute until translucent.
6. Melt butter in pan. Add flour and stir for 2 minutes.
7. Whisk in mustard, cayenne, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
8. Whisk mixture while adding milk slowly. Simmer mixture, reducing heat if necessary, about 5 minutes until thickened.
9. Remove from heat, whisk in the cheddar a handful at a time until completely melted. Reserve a little cheese for top.
10. Pour sauce over broccoli-quinoa mixture and toss to mix. Make sure all the quinoa is mixed well.
11. Transfer mixture to a casserole dish and top with reserved cheese.
12. Bake 30-35 minutes, until the top is nicely browned. 
13. Serve warm.

*I put half of the mixture in an aluminum container and the other in a casserole dish. After browning the top, I let the aluminum container cool completely, covered it, and placed in the freezer to eat at a later date!

~Recipe via todaystaste.com