Introduction:
Indulge in the divine fusion of flavors and textures with our Vegan Cheesy Asparagus Casserole. This gourmet dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body with wholesome ingredients. Bursting with vibrant colors and rich flavors, this casserole is a delightful addition to any meal, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting homemade dish.
Ingredients:
1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 4 hours
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if desired)
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray and set aside.
In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the asparagus for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more almond milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and blanched asparagus. Pour the creamy cashew sauce over the quinoa and asparagus mixture, and stir until well coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and smoked paprika.
Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumb topping to help it crisp up in the oven.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 310mg
Total Carbohydrates: 29g
Dietary Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 11g
SmartPoints® value: 7 per serving
Conclusion:
Elevate your dining experience with our Vegan Cheesy Asparagus Casserole, a masterpiece of plant-based cuisine that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this casserole is sure to impress. With its creamy cashew sauce, tender asparagus, and crunchy breadcrumb topping, every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures. Enjoy this gourmet delight as a main course or side dish, and savor the goodness of wholesome ingredients in every mouthful.