Baked Rice with Vegan Cheese and Green Chiles

In this Southwestern-style rice casserole, vegan cheese, green chiles, and cilantro give a delectable flavor to an otherwise simple dish. This is delicious served with Beer-Stewed Pinto Beans and a big green salad. Photos by Hannah Kaminsky.

Serves: 6 or more

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cups cooked brown rice (from about 1 ½ cups raw)
8 ounces grated cheddar-style nondairy cheese
1 cup vegan sour cream (homemade or store-bought) or Cashew Cream
1 to 2 fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced,
or one to two 4-ounce cans chopped mild green chilies
¼ cup minced fresh cilantro
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Heat the oil in a small skillet. Add the onion and sauté over low heat until lightly browned.

In a mixing bowl, combine the onion with the rice and all the remaining ingredients. Stir together thoroughly.

Pour the mixture into a lightly oiled, 1 ½-quart baking casserole. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes or so, then scoop individual portions out of the casserole to serve.