Name: Jalapeno Chili Cornbread Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup chopped onion; 1/2 red bell pepper (chopped); 1/2 cup Split red lentils (use 1/3 cup if you like less lentilly chili); 15 oz can black beans, drained or 1.5 cups cooked beans; 1 tbsp chili powder blend; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground oregano; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 2 cups diced canned tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes. If using fresh tomatoes, add in 1 tbsp of tomato paste as well.); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 2 tbsp oil; 3/4 cup non-dairy milk (Such as almond, oat, soy or light coconut); 1 tsp vinegar; 1/2 cup all purpose flour; 3/4 cup Medium grain cornmeal (or fine grain or grits); 1 tbsp cornstarch or tapioca starch; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 2 tbsp chopped pickled jalapaneo; 1/4 to 1/3 cup of vegan cheddar shreds (or use 1-2 tbsp nutritional yeast); 1 jalapeno thinly sliced for topping

The base for the chili layer is made with onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, and lentils
The chili layer would not taste like chili without that signature South-of-the-border blend of cumin, oregano, onion powder, and chili powder
For the cornbread topping, we use typical cornbread ingredients like cornmeal, mixed with flour and cornstarch.
maple syrup adds a nice sweetness to the cornbread layer
a mix of non-dairy milk and vinegar mimics the buttermilk that is used in traditional recipes
baking soda and baking powder are our raising agents and responsible for that perfect light and fluffy texture. Make sure to check the expiry date to be sure they are still active.
To add some oomph to the topping, stir in some chopped pickled jalapenos and vegan cheese or nutritional yeast
Glutenfree option: Use gluten-free flour blend or old flour for the cornbread. Do not skip the oil.
Oil free option. Omit the oil and add 1 tablespoon applesauce.
This recipe is soy free and Nutfree with Nutfree non dairy milk.

Tips:

Why not serve this with a big dollop of vegan sour cream or homemade guacamole
If you’re not tolerating any spice or make this for children, feel free to swap the jalapeños for green bell pepper
Or you can swap the chopped jalapenos for a few tablespoons of a drained can of diced hatch chili peppers
You can add taco seasoning or chili powder blend instead of the spices used in the chili
Bake in individual ramekins for personal size servings

How to make Chili Cornbread Casserole:

CAN THIS BE FROZEN?

MORE HEARTY MEALS FROM THE OVEN:

Vegan Jalapeno Chili Cornbread Casserole

Jalapeno Cornbread Chili Casserole is an easy vegan comfort food casserole recipe with a quick jalapeño cheddar cornbread crust baked right on top of the lentil chili. It’s warm and savory and comes together in one dish. Nutfree soyfree. Glutenfree option.

Serves 6

Prep 10 minutes

Cook 55 minutes

Total 1 hour