In honor of Earth Month, I am excited to share this hearty and satisfying casserole.
Cravings for classic comfort foods often send me searching for vegan alternatives, and I have found that there is almost always a healthier, more earth-friendly version waiting to be discovered. After scouring the internet for this childhood favorite, I found a similar vegan version. I have made it numerous times, adjusting the ingredients to suit my family’s tastes. Because not all vegan ingredients are inherently healthy, I also look for ways to improve their health profile. In this recipe, I replaced traditional sour cream — often made with coconut oil, a saturated fat — with a lighter, less processed alternative that still delivers great flavor.
The ingredients are simple, wholesome, and easy to find, and the recipe comes together in about 30 minutes. As it bakes, it fills your home with an irresistible aroma. If you are not feeding a crowd, the leftovers are just as enjoyable the next day. You can even portion and freeze individual servings for a quick, convenient lunch.
Earth Month is a reminder that small, everyday choices can have a meaningful impact. Choosing plant-based meals helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and decrease land use when compared to meat-based meals. It also allows more crops to be used directly for human consumption, which helps protect natural habitats and reduce pollution.
Each of us plays a role in shaping the planet’s future. Every meal is an opportunity to make a positive choice. If you are new to plant-based eating, start small, incorporating one or two meals a week. You may be surprised by how delicious and satisfying they can be. It is encouraging to know that by eating more plants, you are supporting both your health and the planet’s.
Ingredients
Sour cream substitute (makes about 1 cup)
Directions
Note: I have successfully substituted vegan yogurt for the sour cream. You can also use purchased sour cream. To make this more appealing to non-vegan friends you can add vegan ground beef substitutes like Bocca.
Carolyn Howe and her family of four have been vegan for 15 years. She is a board member of the Vegan Community of Eastern Iowa and hosts monthly gatherings for vegans and vegan-curious people. Sign up at https://www.meetup.com/Vegan-Community-of-Eastern-Iowa/. For questions or comments about the Vegan Community of Eastern Iowa, email veganeasterniowa@gmail.com or visit veganeasterniowa.org. Everyone is welcome to join VCEI on Facebook or Meetup.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Old-fashioned no-hamburger casserole | Vegan Column
Reporting by Carolyn Howe, Special to the Press-Citizen / Ames Tribune
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