Loaded Vegan Nachos

Step 1

Heat the oven to 425 degrees. On a sheet pan, toss together half the cauliflower, half the onion and the oil. Season with salt, then spread into an even layer. Roast on the bottom rack, without stirring, until brown underneath, 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, make the vegan queso: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups water with the remaining cauliflower, the nutritional yeast, bean liquid, chipotle chile, garlic powder and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is very tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a blender, and blend until smooth, then add 2 teaspoons of pickled jalapeño brine and blend to combine. Taste the queso on a chip; if flavors are muted, add more salt and brine. (Hold onto the saucepan; no need to clean.)

Step 3

In a medium bowl, add the adobo sauce to the beans and mash some of the beans with a fork. (This helps the beans adhere to the chip.) When the roasted cauliflower is done, zest the lime over, add the chopped cilantro, and stir to combine. Scrape into the reserved saucepan. (Hold onto the sheet pan and don’t worry about getting every last bit off.)

Step 4

Assemble: On the sheet pan, spread half the chips into an even layer. Top with half the beans, half the cauliflower, and half the queso. Repeat another layer with the remaining chips, queso, beans and cauliflower. Bake until the chips and beans are warm, 3 to 5 minutes. Cut the lime into wedges. Top nachos with the pickled jalapeños, remaining chopped onion, cilantro sprigs, a squeeze of lime and any optional toppings.