Artichoke and Spicy Tofu Casserole

This is rally vegan comfort food at it’s best. We really enjoyed this hearty meal on a chilly, windy day.

Serving Size: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
• 2 spring onions sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegan margarine
• 1 cup prepared vegan cream sauce*
• 8 ounces artichoke hearts, halved or quartered
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 package spicy tofu pieces (about 1 & 1/2 cups or 10 ounces)
• 1 & 1/2 cups long grain rice or black and white mixture (white and wild rice)
• 1/2 cup soy cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup soy milk or other no-dairy milk
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• vegan Parmesan, soy cheese or dried bread crumbs as topping

for the vegan cream sauce:

• 1 cup soy cream or soy milk or soy yogurt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable bouillon powder
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional but gives a bit of color and flavor)

Directions:

to prepare the rice:

1. Cook the rice in 3 cups lightly salted water.
2. Cook until the water has been almost completely absorbed (10 inures or so).
3. Remove from the heat and put a lid on the rice to allow it to further swell.

to make the vegan cream sauce:

1. Place the soy cream or soy yogurt in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the corn starch and stir well to mix.
3. Add the vegetable bouillon powder and soy sauce if using.
4. Heat the mixture until it becomes a nice thick sauce, stirring so that it does not scorch.
5. Remove from the heat.

to make the casserole:

1. In a large frying pan, melt the vegan margarine and saute the carrot, sweet bell pepper and green onion until the vegetables are al dente.
2. Remove from the heat.
3. Put the cooked rice in a large bowl.
4. Add the sauteed vegetables and then the prepared vegan cream sauce.
5. Add the artichoke, thawed peas, tofu, grated vegan cheese, thyme, and non-dairy milk.
6. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Gently mix and pour into an oiled baking dish, or individual casserole dishes.
8. Sprinkle with vegan Parmesan, grated soy cheese or dried bread crumbs.
9. Bake, covered in a 350 F / 177 C oven for 10 minutes, uncover then bake for about 5 more minutes or until the mixture is bubbly.
10. We dusted the top with a pinch of sweet paprika for color.
11. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.