Tofu Tortilla Casserole

Tofu Tortilla Casserole Recipe - Hearty Vegetarian Meal from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tofu Tortilla Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of tofu, cheese, and spices in a comforting casserole. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, as it is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.

History

Tofu Tortilla Casserole is a modern twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. The combination of tofu, cheese, and tortillas creates a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. This recipe has become popular in recent years as more people are looking for meatless alternatives to traditional casseroles.

Ingredients

9 (6 inches) corn tortillas, cut into 6 wedges
4.5 oz (128 g) shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup sliced green onions
10 black olives, sliced

Sauce

1 tbsp plus 2 tsp olive oil
0.5 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
12 oz (340 g) firm tofu, crumbled
3.5 cup canned crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
2 tsp chili powder
1.5 tsp ground cumin
0.5 tsp salt

How to prepare

Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat the oil.
Stir in the onion and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the cottage cheese and tofu and cook for 1 minute longer.
Add the tomatoes, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Spread 1 cup of the sauce in the bottom of the casserole dish.
Layer with half of the tortillas, then sauce, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
Repeat the layers and top with .
Bake until lightly browned and the cheese is bubbly, about 30 minutes.

Variations

Use different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Add cooked ground beef or chicken for a meatier version of the casserole.
Substitute corn tortillas for flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to crumble the tofu evenly to ensure that it is distributed evenly throughout the casserole.

- Feel free to customize the spices in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- You can add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or corn to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Tofu Tortilla Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also top it with avocado slices, sour cream, or salsa for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Preheat the oven to ensure even cooking.

- Layer the ingredients in the casserole dish to create a delicious and visually appealing dish.

- Bake the casserole until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned for the perfect texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a creamier sauce.

- Substitute black beans for tofu for a different protein source.

- Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Tofu Tortilla Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply assemble the casserole as directed, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Tofu Tortilla Casserole with fresh cilantro leaves or chopped green onions for a pop of color. You can also serve it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Tofu Tortilla Casserole with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Tofu Tortilla Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 24g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 8g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Calcium: 25% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese)

- Contains soy (tofu)

Summary

Tofu Tortilla Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for a family dinner.

Summary

Tofu Tortilla Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. With its combination of tofu, cheese, and spices, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished in my heart. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe book that I had inherited from my grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out onto the kitchen counter. Curious, I picked it up and read the words written in elegant cursive handwriting: Tofu Tortilla Casserole.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but something about the name intrigued me. I carefully read through the ingredients and instructions, feeling a sense of excitement building within me. This was a recipe unlike anything I had ever seen before, and I knew I had to give it a try.

As I set out to make the Tofu Tortilla Casserole, memories of my grandmother flooded back to me. She was the one who had taught me how to cook, passing down her knowledge and love of food through generations. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the steps, urging me to add a pinch of this and a dash of that.

The first step was to prepare the tofu, a key ingredient in this dish. I crumbled the tofu into a bowl and marinated it in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and spices. The savory aroma filled the kitchen, reminding me of the many meals my grandmother had prepared for our family.

Next, I sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms in a skillet, creating a colorful medley of vegetables to layer in the casserole. The scent of caramelized onions and roasted peppers wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As I assembled the casserole, I thought back to the countless hours I had spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning the art of cooking from the best. Layering tortillas, tofu, vegetables, and cheese, I could almost feel her presence beside me, guiding my hands with gentle encouragement.

Finally, I popped the casserole into the oven and waited anxiously for it to bake. The tantalizing aroma of melting cheese and bubbling sauce filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl with hunger. I could hardly contain my excitement as I set the table, eager to taste the fruits of my labor.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the Tofu Tortilla Casserole out of the oven, the cheese golden and bubbly, the tortillas crispy around the edges. My mouth watered as I scooped a generous portion onto my plate, savoring the moment before taking my first bite.

The flavors exploded in my mouth, a symphony of savory tofu, spicy peppers, and gooey cheese melding together in perfect harmony. I closed my eyes and savored each bite, feeling a sense of pride and nostalgia wash over me.

As I sat at the table, enjoying the Tofu Tortilla Casserole that had brought back so many memories, I realized just how much my grandmother had taught me over the years. Her love of cooking had been passed down to me, a gift that I would cherish forever.

And so, as I finished my meal and cleared the table, I made a promise to myself to continue sharing my love of food and cooking with future generations. For it is through food that we connect with our past, our present, and our future, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.