Wax Bean Casserole

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water

3 cups wax beans, cleaned and ends removed

2 Tbs olive oil

3 tsp apple cider vinegar

2 cloves of garlic, pressed

pinch of sea salt

dash of freshly cracked pepper

2 Tbs panko bread crumbs

2 Tbs vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded (Follow Your Heart)

2 tsp Earth Balance butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Bring quinoa and water to a boil, cover with lid, reduce heat to low, simmer for 15 minutes, let stand 5 minutes, and fluff with fork

3. Meanwhile, steam wax beans for 3 mins until slightly tender

4. Mix olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper together

5. Mix quinoa, beans, and olive oil mixture together and place in a casserole dish

6. Sprinkle the top with bread crumbs, cheese, and small chunks of the butter

7. Bake for 20-25 mins

This recipe was inspired by my trip to the farmer's market, where I got the beautiful wax beans, and by my dear bearded friend:) who made me this dish, but without the quinoa. I was making a light lunch for Eric and I and I thought I would make it a more substantial meal by adding the quinoa, which is a complete protein. I also altered the meal so that it was vegan, which cut out some added fat. I really like the vegan mozzarella! It has a nice texture and a smooth flavor. Vegan cheeses can sometimes be scary, so I was glad that I got lucky.