Title: Vegan Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Introduction: Elevate your dining experience with our Vegan Cheesy Asparagus Casserole, a delightful twist on a classic comfort food favorite. Bursting with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this plant-based casserole is sure to impress vegans and non-vegans alike. With creamy vegan cheese and tender asparagus, this dish offers a satisfying and delicious option for any occasion. Join us as we explore the ingredients, preparation steps, and the nutritional benefits of this vegan rendition of a beloved casserole.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 cup (120g) vegan shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella style)
  • 1/4 cup (15g) nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (60g) breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the trimmed and chopped asparagus to the skillet, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk and all-purpose flour until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the asparagus and stir to combine.
  5. Cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vegan shredded cheese, nutritional yeast, and Dijon mustard until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
  6. Transfer the cheesy asparagus mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  7. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Enjoy the savory goodness of our Vegan Cheesy Asparagus Casserole, and savor the delicious flavors of this plant-based comfort food classic.