Finding Solace

Vibe: Cozy, bright, plant‑forward comfort

Why Casseroles?

Casseroles are quiet food. They don’t rush you or demand precision — they let you gather simple ingredients, slide everything into the oven, and breathe while the warmth does the work. They’re grounding, forgiving, and deeply comforting. In a season where ease matters, casseroles feel like sanctuary.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups dry orzo
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk or unsweetened plant milk
• 1 cup frozen peas or spinach
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup parmesan or nutritional yeast (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a casserole dish, whisk together broth, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in the orzo, chickpeas, and peas/spinach.
4. Cover tightly with foil and bake 35–40 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
5. Remove foil, sprinkle parmesan or nutritional yeast, and bake 10 minutes more.
6. Let it rest 5 minutes so it becomes creamy and cohesive.

Sanctuary Notes

• Fresh dill or basil at the end adds brightness
• White beans make it even creamier
• Roasted cabbage wedges on the side = future garden magic
• A spoonful of Greek yogurt or cashew cream stirred in after baking adds silkiness