Description
A refined, nourishing casserole featuring a layered mix of quinoa, lentils, and tofu bound by a savory tahini-tomato sauce, perfect for a healthy plant-based meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, cooked until just tender
- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed whole-grain crackers
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for topping)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook quinoa according to package directions (about 15 minutes), fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
- Sauté onion and carrot in 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat until onion is translucent (about 6–8 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tahini, soy sauce, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Simmer gently for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, wilted spinach, and the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top.
- In a small bowl, toss panko with 2 tbsp olive oil and chopped herbs; sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For optimal texture, press tofu well and store properly to prevent sogginess. Can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 0mg