Wild Rice & Mushroom Casserole

This grain free dish is made with cashew cream, a dairy-free fresh alternative to canned cream soups. Wild rice has far more nutrition than rice, having more protein, zinc, potassium, folate, and B vitamins and is from the wheatgrass family.

Wild Rice & Mushroom Casserole

SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS

1 c Wild Rice, soaked overnight is ideal
2 Tb olive oil or butter
1 c cashews
1 med organic onion (yellow, white, or red), diced
1 c organic mushrooms (button or cremini), ends trimmed and sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 c vegetable or chicken broth
1 tsp Sage Leaf (or 2 tsp chopped fresh organic sage)
1 tsp Thyme Leaf (or 2 tsp fresh organic thyme leaves)
1⁄2 tsp each Salt and Ground Black Pepper
1 c cheese shreds (Parmesan or mozzarella vegan if want to be dairy-free)
finely chopped fresh organic herbs (sage, thyme, and/or parsley), optional for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook rice according to package instructions with one tablespoon of olive oil or butter and a pinch of salt, for 45 minutes.
2. Cover cashews with water to soak.
3. Add remaining tablespoon of oil or butter to a deep cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. When the butter has melted, add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the sliced mushroom and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the water from the mushrooms has evaporated and they are beginning to brown. Add the garlic, stir to combine, and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside until the rice is done.
5. Ten minutes before the rice has finished cooking, preheat the oven to 350° F. Drain and rinse the cashews and add them to a blender with the broth and the seasonings. Blend until smooth and creamy.
6. Add the cooked rice and the cashew cream to the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir to combine well. Bake the casserole in a cast-iron skillet or transfer to a 3 ½-quart baking dish coated with olive oil. Top the casserole with the cheese shreds and bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbling.
7. Remove the casserole and turn the broiler to high heat. Use oven mitts to adjust the oven rack to the highest position. Broil for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
8. Sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs if using for garnish just before serving.

The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord cause His face to shine on you, and be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His face to you, and give you peace.  Numbers 6: 24-26

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