Fajita Bowl with Cashew Queso

Carla_wfpb

I make this throughout the summer. A go-to fave.

Roasted Veggies:
4 bell peppers, any colors, cut into strips
1 red onion, cut into strips
4 portobello mushroom caps, cut into strips (or any mushrooms you want/have)
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste, optional
1 Tbsp of tahini

Cashew Queso
1 cup cashews (or 1/2 cup cashews, 1/2 cup cooked white beans). soak cashews to soften
1/2 cup water
1 4-oz can diced green chiles
1 jalapeno pepper (can sub chipotle)
2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1/4 tsp chipotle chile powder, or more depending on heat preference
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, i add it to amp up the smoke without too much heat)
1/2 tsp of salt, to taste, or as diet requires.

Base
fresh mixed greens, including something crunchy like romaine lettuce for texture
for easy prep, you can always use a box of mixed greens

Optional:
Pinto beans prepared as desired
Baked tofu (use recipe for chinese tofu posted as a separate thread/discussion).
Grain - layer any grain you want into this bowl. rice, quinoa, etc.
Tomatoes or other fresh veggies.

Steps:
1. preheat oven to 450F
2. Toss chopped veggies in a bowl and drizzle with tahini. Combine to coat evenly.
3. Sprinkle seasonings over veggies and distribute evenly.
4. Arrange veggies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 450 for 20 minutes.

Making Queso:
1. Soak cashews in hot water for 20 minutes or longer, to soften. Drain.
2. Add all queso ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Taste it. Yum!

Putting it together:
Base is your greens. Next layer is grains if using, then pinto beans if using. Toss in tofu if you want. Drizzle with that amazing queso, sprinkle on some chopped tomatoes and dive in.

There's lots of 'cheese' but it will keep in the fridge. I've used it a week later on a 2nd round of roasted veggies over greens.

Carla_wfpb

If I am in a hurry or lazy, I will just do the greens, roasted veggies and queso with a 'side' of pinto beans from a can, heated and seasoned.

Mihani

I have made this several times myself. So good! Just thinking since you mentioned smokiness, a few drops of liquid smoke mixed with the tahini would probably be a great addition.

Carla_wfpb

good idea, Mihani! if i think of it next time, i'll give the liquid smoke a try