This Vegan Zucchini Tortilla Enchilada Rice Bake is an easy, effortless weekday meal! Brown rice, with grated zucchini cooked in a homemade enchilada sauce (or store bought!), topped with vegan cheese and easy, homemade baked tortilla chips!
1cup brown rice (washed, then soaked for at least 20 minutes)
2 tbsp oil
1 onion
1–2 garlic cloves (grated )
2cups grated zucchini (around 2 medium)
1/2cup jalapenos from jar
1 tsp ground cayenne
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
salt
2cups water
1/2cup chopped coriander
2 tbsp jalapeno brine
juice from half a small lime
8 wheat + corn tortillas
1cup vegan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Enchilada Sauce
Heat oil in a pan. Add onions, cook until translucent. Add garlic, cook for a few seconds. Add spices, tomato puree, tinned chopped tomatoes and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, Add broth, cook for 2-4 minutes over low heat. Cool slightly, then using an immersion blender, blend until smooth. *see notes
Zucchini Tortilla Enchilada Rice Bake
Pre-heat oven to 220°C/428°F
Heat oil over medium heat in a 9-10 inch skillet. Add onions, cook until translucent. Add grated zucchini, jalapenos, garlic and spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
Mix in enchilada sauce, 1 cup water and rice. Bring to a simmer, then cover skillet with a lid and cook for 15 minutes. Stirring often.
While the rice cooks, cut 8 corn and wheat tortillas in half. Then in half again, and finally once more. Drizzle with a good amount of olive oil and bake for 5-10 minutes or until slightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
Into the skillet add another 1 cup of water, lime juice, jalapeno brine and lime juice. Mix and cook for another 15 minutes or until rice is cooked *see notes
Turn off heat, sprinkle grated vegan cheese over the rice, then place baked tortilla chips over the rice. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until tortilla chips are golden.
Notes
Enchilada Sauce – before using an immersion blender, I prefer to transfer the mixture into a deeper bowl first to prevent the sauce from splattering out. If you’re feeling lazy, you can also use store-bought sauce! You’ll need around 400-500ml.