Book Cooks - CSA Week 10 - Caprese Quinoa Bake

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: cheddar cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat while maintaining flavor.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

balsamic vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: red wine vinegar

Apple cider vinegar offers a tangy taste with fewer calories.

quinoa

🥗Healthier: brown rice

💰Cheaper: white rice

Brown rice is a nutritious alternative and often less expensive.

Introduce the dish as Caprese Quinoa Bake and explain the use of quinoa as a lighter alternative to pasta.

Check on the quinoa cooking on the stove and mention it should be done when the liquid is gone.

Prepare to use a jarred tomato basil pasta sauce for the bake.

Gather ingredients including shredded mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves for garnishing.

Preheat the oven (exact temperature not mentioned).

Combine cooked quinoa with the jarred tomato basil sauce, shredded mozzarella, and halved cherry tomatoes in a bowl.

Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.

Top with additional mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves before baking.

Bake in the oven (exact time not mentioned) until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens