Salsa Verde Veggie Casserole

Indulge in a vibrant culinary adventure with this Vegan Salsa Verde Veggie Casserole and Bake. This effortless one-dish wonder combines creamy coconut milk, zesty salsa verde, and wholesome beans and rice for a flavourful meal that's as easy to make as it is delicious to devour!

Ingredients

For the Casserole-

• 1 can coconut milk

• 1 cup veggie broth

• 1/2 cup salsa verde

• 1 cup rice, uncooked

• 1 can white beans, strained & rinsed 

• 1 can chickpeas, strained & rinsed

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup corn, frozen or thawed

• 4 oz canned green chilis

• 1/4 onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• pinch of salt

For the Creamy Cashew Salsa Verde Sauce-

• 1 cup cashews, soaked for 10 mins

• 1/2 cup fresh water

• 1/2 cup salsa verde

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast 

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and take out your favourite 9x13 inches baking/casserole dish.

2. Pour the veggie broth and coconut milk into a large measuring cup and heat in the microwave for 90 seconds. Alternatively, you can pour these into a small pot and warm on the stove.  Add the salsa verde, mix well, and set aside.

3. Into the casserole dish, add the rinsed & uncooked rice, white beans, chickpeas, corn, green chilis, diced onion, minced garlic, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the rice is cooked.

6. Prepare the Creamy Cashew Salsa Verde Sauce. In a blender, combine all the above ingredients for the and blend until smooth and creamy.

7. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and stir in some raw spinach until it becomes wilted.  Let the dish cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the  Creamy Cashew Salsa Verde Sauce on top.

8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or sliced avocado if desired.  Enjoy!