Creamy leek, kale and chickpea bake

Sauteed leek, kale and chickpeas in a sizzling creamy, cheesy sauce topped with fresh garlic bread crumbs. If you feel like a warm, comforting dish, then this one is for you. Serves 6 (or plenty of left overs for lunch the next day!).

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large leaks, stem sliced thinly into rings
• 6 button mushrooms, sliced thinly
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 bunch of kale, cut/ripped into small pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1+1/4 cup wholemeal breadcrumbs (I actually purchased a loaf of organic sourdough that was near it's expiry date then broke it into pieces and wizzed it up in the food processor. A good option if you want super fresh tasting bread crumbs)
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed

CHEESY SAUCE INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup vegan margarine (Earth Balance is my favourite)
  
• 1/2 cup white flour
  
• 1/2 cube vegetable stock (Rapaunzel is perfect) disolved in 3/4 cup hot water
• 1/4 cup coconut cream
• 1 cup almond milk (or oat, rice or soy milk)
• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt + pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

• Make the cheesy sauce and set aside (recipe is here).
• Heat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
• Lightly oil a large baking dish or 6 mini baking dishes (for single serves).
• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick pan over a medium-high heat. Add leeks and mushrooms. Saute for around 8 minutes. Set aside in a medium size bowl. 
• Keep the pan warm and add the kale along with a small amount of water. Place a lid over the kale and cook until the kale is slightly wilted (around 4 minutes). Remove from the heat and add to the leek/mushroom mix. Add chickpeas and stir until combined. Add a small amount of salt and pepper to taste.
• Once combined, pour mixture into your baking dish(s). Pour the cheesy sauce evenly over the mixture.
• Rinse out the bowl and combine the breadcrumbs and garlic.
• Sprinkle the breadcrumb mix over your leek mixture.
• Place into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
• Serve hot with a fresh salad. If you are a sauce person, a fresh plum sauce tastes amazing with this dish.