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Cheesy Quinoa ‘N Peas with “Bacon”

in Entrees, Other

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At this point in my blogging “career,” I think that it would come as no surprise to anyway who frequents my blog that I have a love for quinoa, peas, vegetarian “bacon,” and Laughing Cow cheese wedges.  So, naturally, as my mind was wandering and thinking of new recipe ideas I thought, “why not combine some of my favorite ingredients into one warm and hearty dish?”  The result?

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Cheesy Quinoa ‘N Peas with “Bacon”

Servings: 2-3

Ingredients

3 cups cooked quinoa
1 tsp Better Than Bouillon vegetable soup base
vegetable broth, for cooking
1/4 yellow onion, diced
1/4 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 Laughing Cow or Weight Watchers cheese wedges (I used the garlic and herb flavor)
3/4 cup unsweetened original almond or soy milk
2/3 cup frozen green peas
black pepper, to taste
2 slices vegetarian “bacon” (I used MorningStar Farms brand) or tempeh “bacon”, cooked and cut into crumbles

Directions

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions.  Add 1 tsp of the vegetable soup base to the quinoa and water before cooking to add extra flavor.

2. Line a large skillet with a thin layer of vegetable broth.  Heat over medium-high heat until very hot.  Once hot, lower heat to medium and add onions, peppers, and garlic.  Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until the onions and peppers begin to soften.

3. Add cheese wedges and milk to the skillet.  Lower the heat to medium-low and heat, stirring often, until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken.  This will take approximately 5 minutes.

4. Add frozen peas and cook an additional 5 minutes, continuing to stir frequently.  Season with black pepper.

5. Add cooked quinoa to the pan and cook an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your likeness.

6.  Stir in crumbled “bacon” and serve.

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This definitely makes for a very complete meal.  It is protein-rich from the quinoa, cheese, and peas, it incorporates vegetables, and most importantly..it tastes amazing!

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I served my Cheesy Quinoa ‘N Peas with “Bacon” with a side of roasted broccoli.

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If you have never cooked with Laughing Cow or Weight Watchers cheese wedges, you really, REALLY need to!  They make for one amazingly delicious cheesy sauce and each wedge only contains about 40-45 calories, so the sauce is virtually guilt-free :).  These cheese wedges are beyond versatile and are not just for snacking.  It is time to get with it and start using them for cooking!

If you are not a fan of peas you could certainly add in different vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, or corn), and if you are a meat-eater, feel free to use lean turkey bacon.  Though I must say, the vegetarian “bacon” is quite tasty! 😉

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{ 51 comments… add one }
  • Michelle @ Eat Move Balance February 24, 2013, 8:33 am
    Aren't those cheese wedges fabulous?! We always keep some on hand--they work in a million different dishes. This one looks especially tasty!
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl February 24, 2013, 7:49 pm
      I am pretty sure that they are one of the most versatile ingredients that I keep in my kitchen!
  • Jacquelynn February 24, 2013, 8:38 am
    Yum! I am definitely trying this recipe this week! I've never thought to cook with Laughing Cow wedges... great idea :)
  • kaityscooking February 24, 2013, 9:12 am
    who cant be a fan of peas!? ;-) i loveee tempeh bacon, i need to get it more often!
  • Life's a Bowl February 24, 2013, 1:12 pm
    This dish screams comfort food to me - major yum! I'm a big fan of ricey dishes with peas :)
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl February 24, 2013, 7:51 pm
      It is very much a comfort food-type dish. It reminded me a bit of the feeling that I get when I eat mac & cheese :).
  • fromtoasttotofu February 24, 2013, 1:57 pm
    That looks so good!! I love quinoa too. :) Plant based protein at it's finest...and it's so tasty!
  • Brittany February 24, 2013, 2:18 pm
    Mmmmmm yummo!
  • lifeandfitnessbyashley February 24, 2013, 7:42 pm
    I love the weight watchers cheese wedges for snacking with crackers. They taste so good and I don't have to feel guilty about it either. Plus when I have friends over, I just put out those wedges along with fruit and crackers, and appetizers are done!
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl February 24, 2013, 7:52 pm
      They are the best! I love your idea of using them when making up a quick appetizer tray. That sounds SO easy.
  • Erin February 24, 2013, 7:50 pm
    Yum!! I would make this without the onions and peppers (cant stand them)..I will definitely try soon! have you ever tried peas n cheese?? My dad would make it for me when I was little, you just take a slice of cheese (he always used american) and a little bit of milk, add it to the peas and microwave it together. OMG its sooo good
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl February 24, 2013, 7:53 pm
      Let me know what you think! I have never tried peas and cheese (only broccoli and cheese), but I am quite certain that it HAS to be delicious. I will definitely be keeping that idea in mind! Thanks :).
  • Brittany @ DulceVie February 24, 2013, 8:07 pm
    This looks so healthy and delicious! I can't wait to try this :)
  • beingisbeautiful February 24, 2013, 10:02 pm
    sounds soo yummy!! love this flavor combo pretty :]
  • moderngirlnutrition February 24, 2013, 10:35 pm
    Yayy I've been waiting for this one:) Looks amazing!
  • Rach @ This Italian Family February 24, 2013, 10:44 pm
    I love the idea of combining favorite flavors and ingredients for a delicious dish! Yum!
  • quartercenturysouthernliving February 25, 2013, 7:36 am
    I would love to try vegetarian bacon! Turkey bacon is one of the foods I miss in being a vegetarian!
  • Nicole February 25, 2013, 8:59 am
    This sounds so good! It sounds like it would e like a risotto. I love risotto but it's too intimidating for me to make at home, this sounds like it might be easier.
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl February 25, 2013, 11:57 am
      The idea of making risotto intimidates me, too! This dish, however, is VERY easy to make!
  • Sarah February 25, 2013, 9:47 am
    i fell in love with laughing cow cheese when i was studying abroad in cameroon...for a good 3 months, it was my lunch everyday--smeared on a baguette with avocado slices. so good! but i've never cooked with it. sound amazing!
  • Becky @ Olives n Wine February 25, 2013, 9:48 am
    I love all of the ingredients in this recipe! I eat quinoa and Laughing Cow cheese almost daily and my husband thinks my obsession over frozen peas is strange ;)
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl February 25, 2013, 11:59 am
      Frozen peas are seriously THE best!! I am glad that I am not the only "weird" one who loves them.
  • Kelly @ Hidden Fruits and Veggies February 25, 2013, 9:55 am
    Perfect timing, I bought some laughing cow cheese wedges last week for a recipe and I need to use the rest up (I never snack on them, something about them screams "Make me a cheese sauce!") Morningstar Farms bacon is my favorite. Something about veggie bacon is so delicious but the smell of real bacon makes me wanna vom.
  • Em @ Love A Latte February 25, 2013, 11:48 am
    You are so creative - I love it! Quinoa is awesome :)
  • Lisa February 25, 2013, 1:47 pm
    I'm loving the idea of cheesy quinoa! Yum! I'll have to try this but replace the cheese with nutritional yeast since I can't have cheese. Not quite the same, but I bet it's still delicious! Quinoa is one of my new favorite plant proteins!
  • katclark1 February 25, 2013, 1:59 pm
    I NEVER thought to combine quinoa and Laughing Cow cheeses for a faux "mac and cheese." HOW SMART!!
  • Natalie February 25, 2013, 2:52 pm
    Such a great high protein dish!
  • Rachel @ Bakerita February 25, 2013, 3:11 pm
    Such a yummy sounding dish! I love those cheese wedges, but I've never thought of cooking with them like this. Definitely something I need to try.
  • aftertheivyleague February 25, 2013, 3:34 pm
    Oh yum! Cheesy quinoa with bacon! I would be all over this..the laughing cow cheeses are really good too!
  • Melanie @ beautifullynutty February 25, 2013, 5:46 pm
    I love that combo creation! Sounds delicious!
  • Rebecca @ Blueberry Smiles February 26, 2013, 5:49 pm
    a cauliflower crust looks soooo good! love the combo!
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