Vegan White Chili Casserole (Printable Version)

Rich chili casserole with soy curls, white beans, peppers, rice, and vegan cheese baked to golden melted bliss.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Protein substitutes

01 - 85 grams dry Butler soy curls or 3 servings thawed vegan chicken strips

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 - 1 large poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
04 - 2 large jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
05 - 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
06 - 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus extra for garnish
07 - Avocado, for serving
08 - Lime wedges, for serving

→ Spices and seasonings

09 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
10 - 1.5 teaspoons chili powder blend
11 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Grains and legumes

13 - 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
14 - 1 (425 g) can pinto or white beans, rinsed and drained

→ Liquids and fats

15 - 1 tablespoon cooking oil
16 - 2 cups water
17 - 2 cups salsa verde

→ Dairy alternatives

18 - 170 grams shredded vegan cheese, divided (e.g., Daiya Mexican style)

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - If using dry soy curls, soak them in 480 ml salty broth or seasoned water for 15 minutes. Drain and squeeze out excess moisture. Skip if using vegan chicken strips.
02 - Preheat oven to 200°C. Heat a large 30 cm cast iron skillet over medium heat.
03 - Add oil, chopped onion, poblano, and jalapenos to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until onion is translucent.
04 - Add rehydrated soy curls or vegan chicken strips to the pan. Cook 3 to 5 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring.
05 - Add rice to the skillet and toast for 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in 480 ml water, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 12 to 14 minutes until rice is tender.
06 - Stir in salsa verde, beans, half the shredded cheese, and half the chopped cilantro. Mix well and remove from heat. Top with remaining cheese.
07 - Cover skillet with foil or an oven-safe lid. Bake for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Serve garnished with avocado slices, additional cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Using foil or a lid while baking traps moisture, ensuring the vegan cheese melts perfectly.
02 - Retain some jalapeno seeds for added heat according to preference.