How to Make Brown Rice Gratin

More than just a vegetarian dish, brown rice gratin is healthy and versatile. For the vegetarian, it makes an excellent main dish, offering potassium, protein, carbohydrates and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals in one low-calorie dish. For the carnivores of the population, brown rice gratin is a delicious side dish, offering necessary servings of grains and vegetables in a flavor that complements any meat choice. Of course, learning how to make brown rice gratin is the first step to enjoying this tasty dish at home.

Things You'll Need

• 1/3 cup brown rice
• 2/3 cup water or vegetable stock
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3 tbsp. butter or margarine
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, cut into matchsticks
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 (3/4 ounce) baby corn, halved length ways
• 2 tbsp. sunflower seed
• 3 tbsp. mixed fresh herbs, chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp. whole-wheat breadcrumbs
• salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 skillet
• 1 square baking dish
• 1 saucepan with lid

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Using 1 tablespoon of the butter or margarine, lightly grease the baking dish. Be sure to grease the sides, too.

2. Place the water or vegetable stock in the saucepan. Add the salt. Bring to a boil and add the rice. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.

3. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine in the skillet over medium heat. Add the onions. Cook, stirring constantly, for two minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. Add garlic, zucchini, carrots and baby corn. Cook, stirring constantly, for five minutes.

4. Add rice, sunflower seeds, and herbs to vegetables. Mix well. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese. Salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

5. Top the mixture in the baking dish with the breadcrumbs and the remaining cheese. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden brown. Serve warm.

Tips & Warnings

• If your oven heats quickly, you can wait until the rice has begun to cook before turning it on to preheat. That will save energy, but still allow the oven to be ready when you are finished mixing.

• For flavor variations, try substituting cashew nuts or macadamia nuts for the sunflower seeds.

• Gluten-free breadcrumbs are available for those with gluten allergies.

• Mixed fresh herbs can be any combination of herbs that suit your tastes. Try not to mix more than three kinds, though, to avoid overpowering the flavor of the vegetables and rice.

• Do not stir the rice or remove the lid while cooking. This breaks the rice, causing the grains to release starch, and makes the rice sticky.

• Cookware and bake ware will be hot. Use caution when handling.