Posted inBlogs Recipes Vegan

CHIPOTLE CAULIFLOWER NACHOS

CHIPOTLE CAULIFLOWER NACHOS

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Chipotle Cheese Sauce:

  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours and drained
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste

For Toppings:

  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup jalapeños, sliced (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Roast the Cauliflower: Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
  4. Make the Chipotle Cheese Sauce: While the cauliflower is roasting, combine the soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, chipotle peppers, garlic powder, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the spice level by adding more chipotle peppers if desired. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Assemble the Nachos: Once the cauliflower is roasted, remove it from the oven. On a large platter or baking sheet, layer the roasted cauliflower as the base. Drizzle the chipotle cheese sauce generously over the cauliflower. Top with black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, jalapeños, and any other desired toppings.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Tips

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the chipotle cheese sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving.
  • Customization: Feel free to add your favorite nacho toppings, such as corn, olives, or vegan sour cream.
  • Storage: Leftover nachos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to enjoy again.

These Chipotle Cauliflower Nachos are not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to traditional nachos. Enjoy this flavorful dish with friends and family!