Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect bake. While it’s warming up, lightly grease an 8×8 or an 11×7 baking dish with olive oil and set it aside. You’ll want an additional small baking sheet nearby for the asparagus.
In a large saucepan, heat 1 ½ teaspoons of the olive oil. Add the diced shallot and sauté until it begins to turn translucent, about 4 minutes. The aroma should start to fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. This step is where the magic happens, as the flavors start to develop beautifully.
Add the rinsed quinoa to the saucepan, stirring to coat it in the oil. Then, pour in the vegetable stock and stir once more. It’s time to bring this mixture to a boil!
Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook until almost all of the liquid is absorbed, which should take about 13 to 15 minutes. You’ll notice the quinoa becoming fluffy and tender.
Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the white beans, non-dairy milk, pesto, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add the chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Mix everything until well combined.
Transfer the quinoa mixture to the prepared baking dish. Now, let’s bake this beauty! Place it in the oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are slightly browned and the bake is firm to the touch.
While your bake is in the oven, prepare the asparagus. Cut it into 2-inch lengths and place the chopped pieces on the separate small baking sheet. Toss the asparagus with the remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake alongside the Pesto Quinoa White Bean Bake for about 15 minutes, or until just tender.
While the asparagus is baking, thinly slice the radishes and chop some fresh herbs for garnish. These will brighten up your dish and add a pop of color.
Once everything is done baking, serve the Pesto Quinoa White Bean Bake hot, topped with the roasted asparagus, sliced radishes, and the chopped herbs. Enjoy immediately and savor the delightful flavors!
