Hearty Fall Harvest Casserole

There's something about cooler temperatures that really provides that urge to cook hearty and tasty meals.

Often the best meals are the ones that are the easiest and quickest to prepare.

If you have children be sure to involve them in the shopping, preparation and cooking of the meal.  No matter what age, there are age-appropriate tasks that they can do to help you prepare the meal.  It gives you a chance to talk about the ingredients, how they taste, why they are good for you, and it gives them self confidence, and an opportunity for them to learn a skill that will last them the rest of their lives.  

I know that many clients who come to see me, often worry that their families aren't getting enough vegetables and fibre in their diet, and this casserole will ensure you and your family are getting not only the recommended vegetable servings, but protein, grain and dairy/alternative.

This Harvest Casserole dish has very little prep time and is a quick no fuss meal that your whole family will enjoy.  It would work well as a pot luck contribution or a great side dish at your holiday meal.

Feel free to experiment and add in different vegetables - parsnips, turnip or any other hearty root vegetable will work.

Ingredients 

• 1 each med Green and Red Pepper, cut into 1” strips
• 2 large Onions, cut and separated into rings ¾” thick
• 1 cup Quinoa, partially cooked (save 1 cup water)
• 1 cup Quinoa Water (saved above)
• 4 Tbs. Vegetable Broth mix
• 2 med. Zucchini cut into 1 1/2 inch chunks
• 2 large Tomatoes, peeled and quartered
• 3 med. Carrots, cut into chunks
• ½ head Cauliflower florets
• 1 lb. Green Beans, snapped in half
• 2 cloves Garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp. Paprika
• ¼ cup Parsley, chopped
• 1 Tbs. sea Salt
• ¼ tsp. Black Pepper
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (substitute Daiya cheese if you want a completely vegan meal)

Directions

Saute green peppers and onion. In an 8 x 10 casserole dish combine all ingredients, sprinkling the cheese over top and cover.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

 Enjoy!