15 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained) 1 small onion, diced 2 celery stalks, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 bell pepper, seeded and diced 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (recipe follows) 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup cornmeal 1½ teaspoon baking powder pinch salt 1-2 tablespoon(s) raw sugar (optional) ¾ cup nondairy milk ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce Instructions: Preheat oven to 400˚F. Grease a square 8 or 9-inch baking pan or casserole dish. Drain tomato juices into a skillet and chop tomatoes into smaller pieces, and set aside. Add water as necessary until a thin layer of liquid covers the skillet. Sauté onion, celery, garlic and bell peppers over high heat until onions are translucent, bell peppers are tender and all of the water has evaporated, about 4 minutes. Turn off heat and mix in 1-2 tablespoon(s) Cajun Seasoning, tomatoes and kidney beans, stirring to combine, and set aside. In a small mixing bowl, whisk cornmeal, baking powder, salt and additional Cajun Seasoning if desired (several dashes so the flour looks speckled when stirred). You can also add 1-2 tablespoon(s) of sugar for a sweet cornbread topping. Then stir in nondairy milk and applesauce. It should be thick, but spreadable like hummus and not dry. Pour bean mixture into your baking dish and pat down firmly with a spatula. Spread cornbread mixture on top and bake 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread is a deep golden, cracked and firm to the touch. Let sit out for about 15 minutes before serving (it continues to firm as it cools). Serve with hot sauce, such as Tabasco, on the table. Note: Any bell pepper will work here, but green bell peppers will provide the most authentic experi- ence since they are a key part of the “holy trinity” in Cajun cuisine. Cajun Cornbread Casserole | by Lindsay Nixon From Everyday Happy Herbivore Serves 4