QUINOA TURKEY CASSEROLE

= Serves: 8

= Serving size: 1 cup

= Active time: 30 minutes

= Total time: 30 minutes

Cindy’s grandmother loved the combination of curry powder and sage that’s used in this casserole. This is not a common spice mixture, but keep an open mind: It’s delicious.

Ingredients

3 cups water or broth

1½ cups quinoa

3 tablespoons canola oil

1 onion, coarsely chopped

2 carrots, coarsely chopped

2 ribs celery, coarsely chopped

1 pound ground turkey

1 tablespoon curry powder

1 teaspoon dried sage

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 pound Brussels sprouts, shaved very thin

2 tablespoons butter

STEP 1: Bring the water or broth to boil in a 4-quart pot. Add the quinoa. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.

STEP 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the ground turkey, curry powder, sage, salt, and pepper, breaking up the meat and cooking it until no longer pink, another 5 minutes. Add the meat-and-vegetable mixture to the pot of quinoa. Mix, and cover to keep warm.

STEP 3: Meanwhile, in the pan you used to brown the turkey, sauté the Brussels sprouts in the butter and 1 tablespoon of oil until they begin to brown slightly. Then lower the heat, cover and steam for 6 to 8 minutes, until tender. Add the Brussels sprouts to the quinoa mixture and stir. Season to taste and serve.

VARIATIONS:

• Use a different kind of meat: Ground beef and ground lamb both work well in this casserole.

• Use a different kind of vegetable. Strong flavored veggies work best in this dish. Try broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, or kale.

• For a richer dish, top the casserole with ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.

GOES WELL WITH:

• Tossed green salad

• Plain Greek yogurt and berries for dessert

Per serving: Calories 420, Calories from Fat 170, Total Fat 19g (29% DV), Saturated Fat 5g (25% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 60mg (20% DV), Sodium 220mg (9% DV), Carbohydrates 39g (13% DV), Dietary Fiber 7g (28% DV), Sugars 4g, Protein 24g, Vitamin A 80%, Vitamin C 110%, Calcium 10%, Iron 25%.