I know I’m a little late to the party but, this recipe was inspired by the ever-famous feta pasta bake. While the original version is good, I believe this harissa goat cheese quinoa bake deserves some love too.
Replacing the feta and pasta for goat cheese and quinoa makes for a super-rich, creamy and filling meal. As far as flavour goes, this dish is a winner. Loaded with juicy grape tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and dried herbs, featuring a spicy harissa paste to bring it all together.
When baked, all the ingredients work together to bring out the most magical flavour. I’m talking, spicy, golden brown melted goat cheese and sweet bursting grape tomatoes with roasted garlic, spices and olive oil – combined to create a luscious sauce to coat the quinoa. Throw in some fresh spinach and basil and we have ourselves dinner.
Who doesn’t love the ease of a one-pot meal? I could have all the time in the world and I will still choose to have a simple, quick, fuss-free meal – most of the time. The fewer steps and cleanup required is a winner in my book.
There is no rule that says, the longer and more complicated the recipe is the better it will taste. I strongly believe you can create a beautiful, delicious dish in under an hour that will taste just as good as one that has been marinating in butter for the last 3 days.
Don’t get me wrong, I do love to cook. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have a food blog. To me, cooking is my therapy and my creative outlet, without cooking I would feel lost. But, that doesn’t mean I want to make things hard on myself, our my lovely readers.
This goat cheese bake is the perfect example of easy, fun, no-stress cooking.
Lets have some fun!
Harissa Goat Cheese Quinoa Bake Ingredients
This recipe has minimal ingredients and only requires one dish to bake it in!
Everything that goes into the baking dish plays a critical role in terms of flavour development. I wouldn’t skimp on these core ingredients if you’re looking for maximum flavour. Together, when cooked and combined they create the most dreamy dish, you’ll see.
Quinoa – This high protein base is perfect for this vegetarian dish. Since there is no bean component, I love the added health benefits quinoa provides. It bulks up this recipe and keeps you feeling super full but not weighed down. I recommend cooking the quinoa in vegetable broth for even more flavour.
Goat cheese – Tangy and creamy, I love goat cheese in many recipes but especially this one. When melted it has a whipped-like texture that spreads like a dream. It has a strong flavour that holds up while not being too overpowering.
Harissa paste – This hot chilli paste originated in Tunisia, North Africa is what makes this dish super special. Made with chillis, garlic, oil, lemon and spices, it gives the dish a bit of heat and adds extra flavour. This amazing, spicy paste also serves well in pasta sauces and soups. Be careful though, when used heavy it is extremely spicy.
Grape tomatoes – When roasted, these tomatoes burst and release all their sweet juices. This attributes to the sauce that will meld with the melted goat cheese to coat the quinoa.
Garlic – Just toss the cloves in whole or slice them in half if you wish, no need to mince here. Once done cooking, the garlic will be caramelized and soft enough to simply mash with a fork and combine with the sauce for great flavour.
Dried herbs – I love using some classic dried herbs like basil and oregano for some added flavour and aromatics. Fresh would work well too, use whatever you have on hand.
Olive oil – Essential for the roasting process is good olive oil. A healthy drizzle is all you need, don’t use too much or you’ll be left with an oily mess. Remember the goat cheese and tomatoes will create enough moisture for that perfect sauce.
Balsamic vinegar – A little hint of acid is always a good idea in a rich dish like this. I like to add it once it’s done baking, right before the fresh greens. It cuts down the richness and adds a little zing to this delicious meal.
Spinach – After combining the sauce, toss in some fresh spinach and mix until it wilts. This is a great way to get some extra greens and also helps bulk up the dish. Be sure to chop up the spinach before so it’s easier to combine.
Fresh basil (optional) – I am always a fan of using fresh herbs in most recipes, it adds some nice freshness and looks oh so pretty. Totally optional though.
More Filling Quinoa Recipes
Here are some delicious and easy quinoa recipes to try:
Please leave a comment and a rating to let me know how this harissa goat cheese quinoa bake turned out for you!
Harissa Goat Cheese Quinoa Bake
Equipment
- 1 medium baking dish
Ingredients
- 4oz log goat cheese plain
- ½ – 1 tsp harissa paste
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 4 cups cooked quinoa warmed
- 1 cup baby spinach roughly chopped
- fresh pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh basil optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 420°.
- In a medium baking dish, arrange the tomatoes and garlic around the goat cheese log in the center.
- Brush the harissa paste on top of the goat cheese log.
- Drizzle the olive oil on top to coat, and finish with the dried herbs and a healthy pinch of salt and pepper.
- Once the oven is done preheating, place the baking dish inside and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the goat cheese has browned and tomatoes have burst open.
- When finished, remove from oven and let sit for 1 minute.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and mix everything in the baking dish together.
- Add the spinach and warmed quinoa, toss to coat, or until the spinach has started to wilt.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, if using.
- Enjoy immediately.
