Brown Rice Vegetable Casserole

Prep :20 minutes    Bake :1 hour  20 minutes   Make 8 servings

3           cups chicken broth
1-1/2     cups uncooked  brown rice
2           cups  chopped onions , divided
3           tablespoons soy sauce
2           tablespoons butter , melted
1/2        teaspoon dried thyme
4           cups  fresh cauliflowerets
4            cups fresh broccoli florets
2           medium  sweet red peppers , julienned
2           garlic  cloves , minced
3           tablespoons  olive oil
1           cup salted cashew  halves
2           cups (8 ounces) shredded  chedder cheese  (optional)

1)     In a greased 3-quart baking dish  , combine  the broth  , rice , 1 cup  onions  , soy sauce  , butter  and thyme . Cover  and bake at 350*  for 65 to 70 minutes  or until rice  is tender .
2)     Meanwhile , in a large  skillet , saute  the cauliflower , broccoli , peppers , garlic  and remaining  onions  in oil  and until  crisp-tender , spoon over  rice misture .
3)      Cover  and bake for 10 minutes more . Uncover , sprinkle  with cashews  and cheese  if desired  , Bake 5 to 7 minutes  longer or until  cheese is melted .
One taste  of this  crowd-pleasing  casserole  brings  compliments  and requests for more  .