It's The First Firefighter Friday!

Welcome to OWAF! I'm excited for our first Firefighter Friday! If you missed my previous post, I'm going to be posting firefighter-approved meals every Friday that are fairly easy and inexpensive.

THE APPROVER AND HIS PROGENY:

These men work very hard and are constantly receiving calls, so they typically need meals that are quick to make and don't cost much more than about five dollars per person....which usually amounts to around $20-$40, depending on the number of guys at the station.

And our first meal is.....Mexican Lasagna!

As you know, most boys want dinners packed full of protein and cheese, so that's typically what these meals will encompass, but I think they are easily made vegan as well. Just sub out the meat for quinoa, rice, extra beans, or a combination of any of these. If you're vegetarian, the cheese will work, but for others, you can try any alternative that agrees with you. Soy is not really my buddy, so you won't see me cooking or baking with it (although I do eat tempeh). You could also try an enchilada sauce. I found an awesome one on vegan mouse.

The ingredients in this recipe are very adaptable, so sub as desired.

MEXICAN LASAGNA

Feeds about 3 hungry men, so adjust as so if you are firefighters!

1-1 1/2 lb. beef, to your liking

salt and pepper, to your liking

1/2 large red onion, chopped

1 jalapeno, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 large zucchini, chopped

1 c. sliced mushrooms

1-2 T. chili powder, more if you want it spicier

1/2-1 T. cumin, more if you want it smokier (c'mon, that's a word)

1 t. oregano

1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 15 oz can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 c. frozen corn, rinsed and drained

2 large tomatoes (I don't like things very tomato-y, so feel free to add more or even a 15 oz can of fire-roasted tomatoes would work well.)

1/4 c. parsley, chopped

1-2 c. cheese (I like a combination of pepperjack and extra sharp cheddar), shredded

1/4 c. olives (I like kalamata), sliced

2-3 scallions, sliced

3-4 large whole wheat tortillas, cut in half (This is a great recipe if you want homemade ones!)

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Start by browning the meat in a deep skillet. Add in the onion and jalapeno. Let cook about 3 minutes. Add in garlic, zucchini, mushrooms, and spices. Cook until softened.

Add in beans, corn, and tomatoes. Simmer all about 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in parsley. Using a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish, begin layering the lasagna. Spread about 1/2 the meat mix onto the bottom of the dish. Top with 3 halves (4 if your tortillas are smaller). Top with 1/2-1 cup of cheese (more, obviously, if you want it cheesier....like me :o)). Repeat the process (meat mix, tortillas, cheese) once. If desired, spread chopped olives on top. Bake for 12-15 minutes. It should be bubbly and slightly browned. Watch it closely after 11 minutes so that your cheese doesn't burn. Remove and top with chopped scallions. You should probably let it cool for about 5 minutes, but man I hate waiting!

A spicy dish for firemen? Ah, the irony.

Anyone out there know a firefighter?