WHITE BEAN, SPINACH, AND COUSCOUS BAKE (GLUTEN-FREE & VEGAN

WHITE BEAN, SPINACH, AND COUSCOUS BAKE (GLUTEN-FREE & VEGAN image

Provided by Leslie

Time 35m

Yield 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

10 ounces brown rice couscous or 10 ounces quinoa, prepared as directed
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
14 1/2 ounces of fire roasted tomatoes, drained but juice reserved
15 1/2 ounces cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup fresh basil, minced plus an additional 2-3 Tbsp. basil for garnish, chiffonade
1/3 cup pine nuts
5 cups Baby Spinach
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

For the vegan option: Substitute Mozzarella Rice Shreds for the Creamy Toscano cheese and sprinkle the top of your dish with Parma!
Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently saute the onion until tender about 4-5 minutes then add the minced garlic and saute 2-3 minutes more until softened and onions are translucent. Add the drained fire roasted tomatoes and crush any large chunks with a potato masher or the back of a fork. Add the white beans and allow to cook for 5-7 minutes or until beans are warmed through, stirring frequently. Just before the beans are cooked through add the fresh spinach and gently turn and toss so that it will start to wilt, about 1-2 minutes.
In a large bowl combine 2 cups of the precooked couscous, reserved tomato juice, minced basil, pine nuts, salt and pepper; mix thoroughly. Fold the bean and tomato mixture into the couscous mixture until combined then spread half of it into the bottom of a shallow baking dish or individual ramekins. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the dish then top with the remaining couscous mixture. Cover the dish with foil and bake 15-25 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. At the very end of the cooking time uncover the baking dish and pop it under the broiler just to lightly brown the top, 1-2 minutes max.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 566.5, Fat 23.9, SaturatedFat 5.6, Cholesterol 17.6, Sodium 834, Carbohydrate 66.5, Fiber 10.1, Sugar 5.7, Protein 22.9