Diz's Best Spinach Quiche Ever! (vegan)

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 (17 ounce) package firm tofu, drained and pressed for at least 30 minutes
• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
• 1 medium sweet onion, finely diced
• 1 small zucchini, thin sliced
• 5 medium cremini mushrooms, thin sliced
• 1 tablespoon sherry wine (optional)
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced thin
• 6 -8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/4 tablespoon dried thyme
• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 -1 1/2 tablespoon sea salt, depending on personal preference
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 deep dish pie shell (marie callender's is vegan)
• butter-flavored cooking spray (make sure it's vegan!) (optional)
• paprika

Recipe

• 1 first, drain the tofu, place in a flat bottom colander or a plate and put another plate on top with something heavy enough to gently press the tofu without smashing it--walk away and go about your business for at least a half hour. now is also a good time to prep your veggies. preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• 2 in a skillet on medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and add the onions, mushrooms, and zucchini. caramelize for about 10 minutes or so.
• 3 when nice and brown, add 1/2 tablespoon of salt and the sherry to deglaze and cook for another minute until dry.
• 4 remove and place in a medium sized mixing bowl. in the same pan on medium heat, add the rest of the oil and sauté the garlic, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes for about 3 minutes until the garlic is slightly golden but do not brown!
• 5 pour garlic concoction into a food processor and crumble the drained tofu on top. add the vinegar, lemon juice, and the rest of the salt. puree until really smooth.
• 6 add to the onion/shroom mixture in bowl.
• 7 using the same pan once again, sauté the spinach until heated through. once finished, squeeze all excess water out and add to the tofu mixture, stirring all ingredients together well.
• 8 smooth down into the "butter" misted pie shell, dust with paprika, and bake for 35-45 minutes until crust is golden brown and tofu is somewhat firm.