Quinoa Pie With Butternut Squash

Guido and I enjoy our hearty winter meals but also love to find yummy vegetarian meals as well. The base for this recipe is quinoa which is a great source of protein. This healthy alternative to a meat based menu is easy to prepare and makes a great meal with just a salad. It would even qualify as part of the recently touted Mediterranean Diet. Remember, recent research claims the Mediterranean Diet, which includes a glass of wine each day, has proven to
enhance health and longevity!

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 butternut squash (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled, halved crosswise and seeded
18 fresh sage leaves, plus 1 teaspoon finely chopped sage
1/2 onion, cut into 1/4 inch dice (about 3/4 cup)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup quinoa
2 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought vegetable stock
1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese, finely grated
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Vegetable oil cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375º. Brush 2 rimmed baking sheets with 1 tablespoon oil. Cut 5 1/4 inch thick rings of squash; cut remainder into 1/4-inch dice. Place squash on sheets. Toss with 1 teaspoon oil; sprinkle with 12 sage leaves. Bake until tender and just golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool completely. Keep oven on.

Heat remaining teaspoon oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add Quinoa and stock; bring to a boil. Cover; reduce heat. Simmer until liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, 2 minutes.

Stir together Qinoa, diced squash, chopped sage, parmesan, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.

Coat a 9 inch glass pie plate with cooking spray. Arrange 6 sage leaves face down in plate; top with squash rings. Press quinoa mixture on top.
Bake 20 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter. Serve wedges warm or at room temperature.

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There are at least two Two Amigos Wines that would pair well with this entree. You might try the TAW Vino Rosso or the TAW Chardonnay. Either one would pair wonderfully.

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