Family casserole

5 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
5mediumsTo large Russet potatoes, peeled
1Garlic clove
1Celery stalk
1Bunch parsley
8Peppercorns
1tablespoonOlive oil
¾cupDiced red onion
1Garlic clove, minced (1 t.)
½poundsMushrooms, sliced (opt.)
poundsFirm tofu, wrapped, or frozen and defrosted
4tablespoonsHickory-flavored barbecue sauce
1tablespoonNutritional yeast (opt)
2tablespoonsOlive oil
2tablespoonsWhole wheat pastry flour
2teaspoonsNutritional yeast (opt)
1mediumOnion
1Bay leaf
1tablespoonLight miso
1tablespoonOlive oil
Paprika
1tablespoonInstant gravy mix or other strong powdered broth
1teaspoonDried thyme
1teaspoonPaprika
1tablespoonTamari
1cupFresh or frozen corn
1cupChopped spinach or green chard
1tablespoonInstant gravy mix OR
1Vegetable bouillon cube
cupReserved potato water

Directions

MASHED POTATO CRUST

FILLING

SIMPLE GRAVY

1. Peel and quarter potatoes. Place ina medium or large pot with water to cover. Add garlic, celery, parsley, peppercorns, onion, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until very tender.

2. While potatoes are cooking, prepare filling. Heat 1 T oil, onion, and garlic in a large skillet. Saute for 1 minute over medium heat, then add mushrooms and saute for 2 minutes. Crumble tofu in chunks into skillet and saute briefly, mixing well. Stir in barbecue sauce, yeast, gravy mix, thyme, paprika, and tamari. Mix well and saute, stirring frequently, for 20 minutes over medium heat. Preheat oven to 400.

3. Transfer potatoes from water to a large bowl, reserving potato stock. Add miso, oil, and ¾ to 1 cup potato stock to potatoes, in ¼- to ⅓-cup increments, mashing as you add the stock. Add only enough water to moisten potatoes adequately. Do not overmoisten.

4. Add corn and spinach to filling and mix well. Pour filling into an oiled, shallow ovenproof casserole.

Pat down with back of a large spoon. Spread potato crust evenly over filling, smoothing top with a spoon or spatula. Dust evenly with paprika. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until crust is golden.

5. While casserole bakes, prepare gravy. Heat oil in a large skillet. Add flour and yeast, and stir with a whisk over medium heat to form a paste. Slowly stir in 2½ cups of reserved potato water, whisking as you stir to allow gravy to thicken. Stir in instant gravy mix and continue whisking until gravy is thick and smooth; add additional potato water, if necessary.

6. Serve casserole with crust on the bottom and filling on top. Spoon gravy over top.

From _American Vegetarian Cookbook_ by Marilyn Diamond