Tu-No Casserole

Instructions

1. Place the plant milk, cashews, granulated onion, pepper, and kelp (if using) into a blender and set aside (so the cashews can soften).
2. Cook the pasta in a soup pot according to the instructions on the package; drain and place the pasta back into the soup pot, off of the heat.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Add the onions and mushrooms to a skillet on high heat, stirring and cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned, adding a little water only as needed to prevent sticking. Add this mixture, as well as the peas, to the pot of cooked pasta.
4. Place the garbanzo beans into a food processor and pulse just until the beans are broken down (but not mushy). If you don’t have a food processor, mash the beans with a potato masher. Add to the soup pot.
5. Blend the sauce ingredients until smooth. Add to the soup pot and stir.
6. Spoon into a 9 × 13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is lightly browned.
7. Note: For a lower-fat, nut-free casserole, replace the cashews with 1½ cups cooked cannellini beans (or one 15-ounce can, drained).