Cashew Chickpea Veggie Casserole

Name: Cashew Chickpea Veggie Casserole
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 500 grams broccoli (cut into small florets); 500 grams cauliflower (cut into small florets); 500 grams carrots (cut into diagonal slices); 500 grams cabbage (cut into squares); 500 grams broad green beans (sliced into small pieces); 500 grams potatoes (peeled, sliced, and fried with turmeric powder and cumin powder); 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon ginger powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon mineral salt; 1 kilogram chickpeas (soaked, cooked, and blended into a paste); 1/2 cup raw cashew nuts (soaked for two hours, drained, and blended until smooth); 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1 tablespoon mineral salt; 1 green apple with skin (cut into cubes); 1 large zucchini (cut into quarters lengthwise and thinly sliced); 1 medium red pepper (cut into squares); 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or butter for non-vegan option); 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar; 1 red pepper (cut into small squares); 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (or fennel seeds); 500 grams fresh tomatoes (cut into small cubes); fresh basil leaves (a handful, finely chopped); 1 teaspoon salt; 500 grams soft tofu

By Dada Shivananda

There are three parts to this special multilayered casserole: a base of sautéed vegetables, a creamy chickpea-cashew sauce, and layers of tomato-topped vegetables finished with seasoned tofu and sweet peas. This vegetable dish features a unique cashew-chickpea sauce that differs from traditional béchamel, transforming this recipe into a nourishing plant-based gratin.

The aroma and texture of cashew nuts are sweet, buttery, and naturally creamy. When cashews are soaked in water and then blended, they release a luxurious creaminess that distinguishes them from other nuts. Their robust flavor holds up well in recipes with many bold ingredients—whether in sweet dishes like cheesecakes and chocolate desserts or savory preparations such as Indian kurma and creamy sauces. Chickpeas add a distinctive heartiness to this plant-based gratin.

Apart from their culinary versatility, cashew nuts are prized for their high tryptophan content, which supports the body's transformation into serotonin—the "happiness molecule" that boosts mood and overall well-being. Cashews provide numerous health benefits and are rich in fiber, protein, healthy monounsaturated fats, and a diversity of vitamins and minerals including magnesium, copper, and zinc. Consider purchasing raw, unsalted cashews and soaking them before use whenever possible to reduce the effects of phytic acid and enhance digestibility.

Nutritional Benefits: This multilayered casserole combines cashews' high tryptophan content, which supports serotonin production for mood enhancement, with chickpeas' protein and fiber. The abundant vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for optimal health.

Prep Time45 min

Cook Time35 min

Total Time80 min

Servings

units

Cashew Chickpea Veggie Casserole

Ingredients

1st layer Veggie ingredients

Cashew chickpea ingredients to spread over 1st layer

2nd Layer veggie ingredients

Tomato sauce ingredients

3rd layer Tofu Sweet peas ingredients

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Instructions

Preparation 1st layer of Veggie Gratin

Preparation of Chickpea Cashew Sauces

Preparation for 2nd layer

Preparation for 3rd layer of Tofu and Sweet Peas

Nutrition

Notes

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