QUINOA AND CARROT KUGEL

Quinoa and Carrot Kugel image

A request from a reader for a quinoa and carrot kugel inspired this week of recipes. I have no idea if this caraway-scented version resembles the kugel she enjoyed at a reception (see the variation below for one that might resemble it more), but it was a big hit in my household

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Time 2h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup quinoa
1 1/4 cups water
Salt to taste
1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch-long sticks
1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
3 eggs
1 scant teaspoon caraway seeds, lightly crushed
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a medium saucepan and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until the onion is just about tender, 3 to 5 minutes, and add the quinoa. Cook, stirring, for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the quinoa begins to smell toasty and the onion is tender. Add the water and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Add the carrots, cover, reduce the heat and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, until the quinoa and carrots are tender and the grains display a threadlike spiral. Uncover and use tongs to transfer the carrot sticks to a bowl. If any water remains in the pot, drain the quinoa through a strainer, then return to the pot. Place a dish towel over the pot, then return the lid and let sit undisturbed for 10 to 15 minutes
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees and oil a 2-quart baking dish or gratin
In a food processor fitted with the steel blade, purée the cooked carrots. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add the cottage cheese and purée until the mixture is smooth. Add the eggs, salt (I suggest about 1/2 teaspoon), pepper and caraway, and purée until smooth. Scrape into a large mixing bowl. Add the quinoa and mix together thoroughly. Scrape into the oiled baking dish. Drizzle the remaining oil over the top and place in the oven
Bake 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is lightly browned. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into squares or wedges

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 175, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 451 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams