Gluten-Free & Vegan Mexican Casserole
 
 
I'm fortunate I don't have a gluten intolerance (even though seitan bothers me). I can't imagine eliminating gluten from my diet as well, but I am starting to realize that it's not that difficult to make something vegan and gluten-free, like this delicious casserole.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 8-oz quinoa pasta, any variety
  • 3 bell peppers, diced (I used one red, one yellow, and one orange)
  • 1 medium red onion, diced
  • 2 C mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 15-oz can black beans, drained
  • 1 6-oz can tomato paste
  • 4-5 green onion, sliced
  • 1-2 Tbs olive oil
  • Daiya cheese, any flavor
  • 2-1/2 C Corn chips or gluten-free crackers
  • Optional ingredients: 1-2 C fresh chopped cilantro, 1-2 C black olives, diced avocados, salsa, jalapenos, green chilies, Tofutti sour cream
  • Taco seasoning packet or make your own: (This is a mild version, so you may want to add more chili powder for a added kick)
  • 1 Tbs chili powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350. If making the seasoning, combine the ingredients and set aside. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8-10 minutes---not too long, or it'll get mushy. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the peppers and onions.
  2. Cook for about 10 minutes, until they are slightly soft. Add the mushrooms and half of the seasonings; cook another 5 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the tomato paste and diced tomatoes until well combined. Stir in the black beans and the rest of the seasonings. Stir the tomato mixture into the pepper mixture and combine well.
  4. Using the same bowl as the tomato mixture, combine the pasta and vegetable mixture and stir well to combine. Line the bottom of a 15" baking dish with corn chips or gluten free crackers, then spread on a layer of Daiya cheese. Pour the vegetable mixture on the chips.
  5. Top with more Daiya cheese and green onion. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve with a dollop of Tofutti sour cream and enjoy!
Recipe by Epicurean Vegan at http://epicureanvegan.com/2011/12/15/gluten-free-vegan-mexican-casserole/