You are here
Black Bean Chili and Sweet Potato Casserole
Fresh From the Vegan Slow Cooker, Robin Robertson, slightly altered by Eve
A spicy, satisfying casserole for the slow cooker.
10 ml 2 tsp. olive oil (optional)
1 small yellow onion, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
30 ml2 T. tomato paste
15 ml1 T. chili powder
5 ml1 tsp. dried oregano
5 ml1 tsp. ground cumin
2 ml1/2 tsp. paprika
470 ml2 c. tomato salsa
710 ml3 c. cooked black beans or 2 (15-oz.) cans, rinsed and drained
680 g1 & 1/2 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
salt and freshly ground black pepper
240 ml1 c. shredded vegan cheese (such as Daiya) or Creamy Cheesy Sauce (recipe follows)
Creamy Cheesy Sauce
240 ml1 c. cashews, soaked 4 hours and drained
120 ml1/2 c. nutritional yeast
5 ml1 tsp. Dijon mustard
2 ml1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 ml1/2 tsp. onion powder
2 ml1/2 tsp. paprika
2 ml1/2 tsp. vegetable broth powder
2 ml1/2 tsp. salt
240 ml1 c. water or unsweetened almond milk
30 ml2 T. fresh lemon juice
30 ml2 T. minced scallions, for garnish
For the casserole:
Saute the onion in the oil or a little water until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute longer, then stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, oregano, cumin and paprika. Add a little water if needed so it doesn't burn. Stir in the salsa and black beans, then taste and adjust the seasonings to taste.
Generously oil the insert of the slow cooker. Spoon a thin layer of the chili mixture on the bottom and arrange a layer of sweet potato slices on top, overlapping slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then top with a thin layer of the chili mixture, followed by a sprinkling of cheese or cheese sauce, more sweet potatoes, chili, cheese, salt and pepper, and so on until all the potatoes and chili are used up, ending with the remaining cheese on top. Cover and cook on low until the potatoes are tender, about 4-6 hours.
Serve hot with a sprinkle of scallions on top.
For the cheesy sauce:
Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth.
If you don't have a slow cooker, you could try this dish in the oven.