Cheesy Vegan Quinoa Casserole with Lentils

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 450°F/232°C.

Step 2

In a medium sauce pot, add your lentils, quinoa and veggie broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and let simmer uncovered for 20 minutes stirring occasionally, until liquids are mostly absorbed. (Towards the end of cooking, stir more often.) Set aside.

Step 3

Meanwhile, add your diced sweet potato to a small pot, covered with water, bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, approx. 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

To a large skillet, add the leek, zucchini, mushrooms, garlic powder, thyme, and salt and sauté over medium-high heat until softened, approx 5 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking. You should not need any water or oil since the mushrooms will release moisture as they cook.

Step 5

Add the cooked quinoa and lentils, plus the sautéed veggies to a 9"x13" (or similar) baking dish and mix well.

Step 6

To make the cheese sauce, add your cooked sweet potato, and all remaining cheese sauce ingredients to your blender and process until smooth. Evenly pour the sauce over your lentil, quinoa, and veggie mixture, and sprinkle with more thyme, if you'd like.

Step 7

Cover the dish with parchment paper and then aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil/paper and bake another 5 minutes to slightly brown the top. Serve hot.