Casserole

1. Prep the oven broiler: If you have the option, set your broiler to the high setting. Position an oven rack within 6″ of the broiler flame (If you have a separate broiler drawer at the base of your oven or if you don’t have a broiler, refer to the notes section below).
2. Broil the vegetables: Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish with non-stick spray. Add the cauliflower, carrots and chickpeas. Drizzle with olive oil then season with salt, pepper, curry powder and garlic powder then mix to combine. Place the baking dish in the oven on the rack directly below the broiler. Broil for 5 minutes, then stir and broil another 5 minutes or until the vegetables develop a nice char. Remove the baking dish from the oven and set aside.
3. Add the rice then bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Add the rice to the baking dish with the veggies. Pour the vegetable broth into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour the boiling broth into the baking dish then mix everything together. Carefully cover the baking dish with 2 layers of aluminum foil (you don’t want any steam to escape). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Prepare the cheese sauce while the casserole bakes. Remove the casserole from the oven and keep the aluminum foil cover on for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and set aside until the cheese sauce is ready.

Cheese Sauce

1. Cook the veggies in broth: In a medium saucepan, add the vegetable broth, onion, carrot and garlic then bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally and let cook until most of the broth has been evaporated, about 10 minutes.
2. Blend the sauce: To a blender, add the contents of the saucepan, cashews, miso paste, salt + pepper, cheese and milk. Blend on high speed for at least 1 minute until smooth and creamy. 
3. Add the cheese sauce to the casserole: Pour about 3/4 of the cheese sauce over the casserole then mix well. Use the back of a spoon to flatten the top of the casserole. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the casserole and use the back of a spoon to spread evenly over the top. Turn on your oven broiler to the low setting if possible (see notes below for other broiler options).

Panko Topping

1. Make the panko topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko crumbs and olive oil. 
2. Top the casserole: Use your hands to evenly sprinkle the panko mixture over the top of the casserole.
3. Broil the casserole: Place the casserole in the oven on the rack directly below the broiler. Keep an eye on it as it can burn easily. You’ll want to see a nice golden brown color on top, typically around 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!