Ingredients:
For the Nachos:
- 8 oz tortilla chips (make sure they’re vegan)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegan cheese (shredded, any variety you like)
- 1 cup fresh pico de gallo (diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice)
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced or mashed (optional for topping)
For the Vegan “Meat” (Optional):
- 1 cup plant-based ground beef or crumbled tofu (seasoned with taco seasoning)
For the Vegan Cheese Sauce (optional but adds a great cheesy layer):
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours or boiled for 10 minutes)
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 cup water or unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the “Meat”: In a skillet, cook the plant-based ground beef or tofu crumbles with taco seasoning until browned. Set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce (optional):
- Blend the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, water/almond milk, garlic powder, and onion powder in a blender until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat on low in a small saucepan until warm and slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
- Layer the Nachos:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a large baking sheet or oven-safe dish, spread out the tortilla chips in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the black beans and cooked vegan “meat” (if using) over the chips.
- Drizzle the cashew cheese sauce or sprinkle shredded vegan cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Place the nachos in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the vegan cheese melts and everything is heated through.
- Top the Nachos:
- Remove from the oven and top with fresh pico de gallo, jalapeño slices, corn, black olives, and green onions.
- Add diced avocado or mashed avocado on top for extra creaminess.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm. Add extra toppings like vegan sour cream, hot sauce, or guacamole if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 10g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the brands and quantities of ingredients used.
This vegan nacho recipe is customizable, packed with flavor, and perfect for parties or a casual snack. It’s satisfying with plenty of plant-based protein from the beans and vegan meat, and the creamy cashew cheese sauce makes it extra indulgent.