Healthy Vegetarian Casserole, Crockpot Style

I finally broke out my crock pot and my first recipe was a success. I even had a sweet taste tester and she loved it. Thanks, Jessica! 

Serves 4 (add a salad to complete the meal)

Calories per serving: 476.25 

(Bonus: Fat 65.5g, Sat fat 0, Trans fat 0, Cholesterol 12.5mg, Sodium 1165mg, Carbs 54.9g,
 Fiber 8.02g, Sugars 3.75g, Protein 15.57g)

Ingredients 
1 (15 oz) can of butter beans
1 (15 oz) can of garbanzo beans 
1/4 cup pesto (I made my own, recipe follows)
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2-3 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 package "tubed" polenta, cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 large tomato, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Monteray cheese 
3 cups spinach 

No nut or cheese pesto
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup fresh basil
2 cups fresh arugula
3 Tbsp. olive oil
salt & pepper
--Mix in a food processor and voila 


Method
1. Rinse and drain the beans. In a medium bowl mix beans, pesto, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning. 
2. Spray the bottom of your crockpot with PAM. Layer half the bean mixture, then half the polenta, followed by half the amount of cheese. Cover. Cook on low for 3 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours. Then add the tomato, spinach and a splash of water or broth. Cover and let cook for an additional 20-30 minutes. Once done turn off the crockpot, sprinkle the top with a little more cheese and let sit for 5 minutes. 


-Adapated from BHG (I made my own pesto and used way less beans and cheese. By doing so the portion size turned out bigger and this is definetly a meal)

Wine Pairing from Mary

Looking for a full bodied white to complement this casserole? Tired of Chardonnay? Branch out and grab a bottle of Viognier. There are many flower and fruit aromas which can be perceived in these wines depending on where they were grown, the weather conditions and how old the vines were. Although some of these wines, especially those from old vines and the late-harvest wines, are suitable for aging, most are intended to be consumed young. My pick is the Santa Julia Viognier from Argentina. This wine shines with apricot, melon, magnolia blossom and sun tea. It's sure to please with this Vegetarian Casserole!

Body: Medium-Full

Acidity: low

Dryness: Medium

Calories: 115

Shelf Price: $10.99