Comfort food for uncomfortable times

I've heard the stories from back home (and North America in general) that certain foods are hard to come by in grocery stores right now - namely things like chips, cookies and other typical "comfort foods" that people seem to gravitate towards when feeling stressed. Funny how the vegetable stocks seem to be pretty untouched.

Knowing that right now, of all times, good nutrition is paramount, last night I cooked up a comfort food meal that still hits the bar as nutritious and delicious: Quinoa Bean Bake

Easy to make, loaded with good nutrition and makes about 8 servings - you can't go wrong!

Recipe:

1 cup quinoa (uncooked)

Cook this up on its own in 2 cups broth, then add to the following:

Water stir fry:

1 cup onion

1 green pepper

1 1/2 cups corn

15 button mushrooms

2 cups beans (I used canned kidney beans, but black beans would also work well)

1 tsp cumin (and whatever spice you like to add to these things: chili, basil, italian spices...)

salt/pepper to taste

When the vegetables are tender, add in the cooked quinoa along with the following:

2 1/2 cups of your favorite pasta sauce (enchilada sauce works too)

1/2 cup plain greek yogurt or cottage cheese

Stir it all together then place into a lightly greased 9X13 pan and bake covered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Uncover the pan after 20 minutes and top with 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, then put it back into the oven for 10 more minutes of uncovered baking.

Serve with a favorite steamed veggie of your choice (and an additional protein if you feel you need it -I plated mine with seitan) and enjoy a fabulous, comforting and nutrition-packed dinner!