Rice-Broccoli Casserole W/ Nutritional Yeast

SW. Moonshadow's Note:

As a Vegetarian, I'm always trying new things to get all the nutients my body requires. I found this recipe in a magazine a few years ago, it's become a family favorite. The nutritional yeast gives this a bit of a cheesy flavour. Great for veggie potlucks too.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 10 ounces broccoli
• 2 cups white rice
• 1/2 cup soy margarine (I use regular low cal)
• 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 cups boiling water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or 1 tablespoon tamari
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pinch turmeric
• 1 cup nutritional yeast
• salt and pepper
• 1 pinch paprika

Directions:

1. Steam the broccoli about 6 minutes. Prepare the rice according to package directions.
2. Spread the cooked rice evenly over the bottom of a 13 by 9 baking dish. Sprinkle the broccoli over the rice and set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 350.
4. Melt the margarine in a medium sauce pan over low heat. Beat in the flour with a whisk over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Then whisk in the boiling water, salt, soy sauce, garlic, onion powder and tumeric. Cook the sauce until it thickens and bubbles, stirring constantly. Then whip in the yeast. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and rice, sprinkle the top with paprika and bake for 15 minutes. If desired, place pan under broiler for a few minutes until the sauce is browned and crusty.
6. This sauce is great over Lentil loaf as well.

Reviews

[Nikoma]

I am pretty impressed! I didn't know what to expect. This was my first fake "cheesy" type dish (I'd been scared) But honestly there's barely any difference! This tastes so much like the real cheesy rice and broccoli casseroles I had growing up! Only I might cut back on the garlic powder a smidge next time. Other then that I thought the spices were perfect! That pinch of smoked paprika on top is genius. I used half rice and half tvp (mainly because I ran out of rice! But the idea worked great!) I also roasted my broccoli (and didn't really measure). Really great recipe!

[Wish I Could Cook]

Super good! I fiddled a little with the recipe. I roasted the broccoli instead of steaming, and used brown rice cooked in veggie stock. I couldn't bring myself to melt a whole stick of Earth Balance margarine, so I probably used 5T. This was easy and really really good! Will definitely make again.

[CaymanClair]

Nice recipe! I used brown rice and smart balance spread, added stir fried tofu cubes and some frozen mixed vegetables. I also followed another reviewer and used a little stock in the boiling water. Turned out great! Will make again. Thanks :-)