I was totally conflicted over what to call this dish to describe it in all its cheesy squashy quinoa goodness!
5 Ingredient cheesy quinoa and squash? Nope, AND squash sounds like there are squash pieces on the side, but the dish is made with mashed up squash….
5 Ingredient Quinoa Mac n Cheese? Definitely a no-go, there is no macaroni pasta in this dish!
5 Ingredient Quinoac and Cheese? Yeah, no one knows what that is.
So I decided on 5 Ingredient Cheesy Squash Quinoa.
I’m sure my hubby looooved hearing all the different versions of the name of this dish as I said them all aloud…repeatedly. He just looked at me and said ‘can I have another bowl while you figure this out?’ lol
Whatever you want to name this dish, it is amazingness in a bowl! AND I’m about to let you in on a huge secret, this cheesy squash quinoa is super easy to make. Yes, even the squash that is notoriously hard to make is super easy to make in this dish. All you do is make the squash in the microwave while the quinoa is cooking, then when it’s done mash it up, mix it with some cheese and you’re done!
I can’t stop raving about this dish you guys!! And the quinoa…oh my goodness…quinoa is kind of flavorless if you ask me, so by cooking it with vegetable stock absorbs all those flavors, and then you’re adding squash and cheese so it has a great creamy texture (but without all the calories of using butter or other ingredients to thicken it!)
All around an amazing dish, and perfect for this weeks’ Five Ingredient Friday! Speaking of which…have you signed up to my email list to receive my FREE Five Ingredient eCookBook with 25 of my favorite Fast & Simple Five Ingredient Friday recipes yet? Click here to sign up!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cups Quinoa
- 2 Cups Water
- 1 Cup Vegetable Stock
- 1 Acorn Squash
- 2 Cups Colby-Jack Cheese shredded
- 2 Tsp Salt
Instructions
- In a medium pot with a lid bring water and vegetable stock to a boil and add the quinoa and salt, Stir once or twice, then reduce heat to low and cover with lid.
- Meanwhile, in a microwave safe Tupperware container add the whole acorn squash. Cook for 12 minutes (or until a fork pokes in easily). Remove from microwave and allow to cool for 5 minutes, then cut in half and scoop out seeds and innards, then scoop out the cooked squash and put it in a bowl and mash until smooth in consistency.
- When quinoa is done cooking (20 minutes) fluff with a spoon, then add the squash and cheese, stir to combine and put in a bowl and serve!
Alena says
Thanks,
sharing the information on cheesy squash Quinoa
I tried it.It is good & tasty.
Sweetphi says
Thank you – so glad you liked it!
Hannah says
This was wicked good! I cut the recipe in half for my first time trying it. The squash cooked great in the micro and everything was done smoothly on time. Very well planned. This is a great healthy option in place of Mac and cheese. Thank you for the recipe. We will be having this again! Yum yum!
Sweetphi says
So happy to hear you liked this recipe! I’m definitely going to have to make this again now – you have me craving it, it’s such a great fall dish 🙂
Kelly says
How can I pin this?? My pin button doesn’t work so I need a button through this website or a Link if you have one! thanks!
Sweetphi says
Of course, here is the pin link: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228417012326160099/
housewifeintraining says
First off, digging the name! Second, squash for life. Third, quinoa rules!! I need to make this asap. Pinned lady!
Sweetphi says
I totally appreciate that you dig the name…it was difficult lol, and agreed, squash for life, and yes, quinoa rules!! And lastly, thank you thank you for pinning, totally appreciate that (my pinterest is in definite need of some lovin’)
Lisa @ Lisa Living Well says
Love this dish! I am a big quinoa fan and am always looking for new ways to cook it.
Sweetphi says
This is definitely a comforting and new way to enjoy quinoa….even my hubby loves it like this 🙂 Thank you so much for commenting Lisa!
andrea rentea says
What a great idea to give the quinoa some flavor, it sounds great. Will go and get some quinoa today to make this recipe. Thank you for making something so healthy taste so good.
Sweetphi says
Cooking quinoa with vegetable stock definitely boosts the flavor! Thank you so much for commenting!
Lynn Lovejoy from Order in the Kitchen says
Phi OMG this just screams comfort food in a bowl! I really need to come visit you
Sweetphi says
Thanks girl! It’s definitely comforting on those fall and winter days, and I second that, you really do need to come visit 🙂
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Wow…this sounds perfect. Pretty pictures and simple instructions. Very nice.
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much for your compliment about my photos, totally appreciate it 🙂