Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1 tablespoon tamari (or miso paste)
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 medium white onion
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3/4 cup water (or vegetable broth for additional flavor)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked white quinoa
- 1 (15 oz) can organic artichokes, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can organic chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup steamed spinach (equivalent to about 3–4 cups fresh spinach)
- 1/2 cup vegan parmesan cheese (or cheese of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Cashew Sauce: Soak the raw cashews in 1.5 cups of boiling water for 15 minutes to soften. Drain, then blend the cashews along with tamari, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, and 3/4 cup water (or veggie broth) on high speed until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large oven-safe baking dish (approximately 13×9 inches), add the uncooked quinoa, drained chickpeas, drained artichokes, steamed spinach, and vegan parmesan cheese.
- Add Sauce: Pour the blended cashew sauce over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon, ensuring all the quinoa is well coated and there are no clumps, and that the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the quinoa to begin cooking and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the quinoa is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with additional vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast if desired, then serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute veggie broth for water in the sauce for enhanced flavor.
- Ensure quinoa is rinsed before adding to reduce bitterness.
- If you prefer a non-vegan version, feel free to use regular parmesan cheese.
- To steam fresh spinach, sauté lightly or blanch quickly until wilted before adding.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- This casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan