Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food that proves vegan cuisine can be absolutely IRRESISTIBLE! 🌱🔥 Our Skillet Cheesy Vegan Enchilada Inspired Chick'n Rice Bake is about to become your new obsession - a one-pan wonder that combines the bold flavors of Mexican-inspired cuisine with plant-based magic. Whether you're a dedicated vegan or just looking to shake up your dinner routine, this mouthwatering dish promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup vegan cheese shreds
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure a 10-inch cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet is ready.
- Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, sauté until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cumin to the skillet, stirring continuously for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Drain and rinse chickpeas, then add them to the skillet. Gently stir to combine with the vegetables and distribute evenly.
- Add cooked rice to the skillet, mixing thoroughly with the chickpeas and vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the rice mixture, ensuring even coverage. Gently stir to incorporate sauce throughout the skillet.
- Sprinkle vegan cheese shreds evenly across the top of the mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet, portioning into 6 equal servings.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Use day-old rice or freshly cooked rice that's been cooled to prevent mushiness and ensure each grain stays separate.
- Cheese Melting Hack: For the most luxurious cheese melt, choose a high-quality vegan cheese that's known for good melting properties.
- Flavor Boosting: Toast your cumin briefly before adding to enhance its nutty, warm flavor profile.
- Texture Tip: For extra crispiness, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking to create a golden, slightly crisp cheese top.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Customization: Feel free to add additional vegetables like corn, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutrition and add more depth to the dish.
- Garnish Game: Don't skip the fresh cilantro - it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy base.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
