Black Rice Caprese Casserole
I have wanted to make this for a while. I make this exact recipe for lasagna without the rice of course. I thought I’d try it with the black rice as a healthier version and let me tell you, it’s outstanding!!! This is the kind of dish I find myself eating right out of the refrigerator well after dinner. Bad! : )
I enjoyed this with a red Rioja and a Verdijo, they were both great with it. It would also go great with a Pinot Noir, Temperino, Sangiovese, a Cabernet/Merlot blend, a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris.
Recipe: 4 – 6 servings
- 1 Recipe Black Rice 1/2 teaspoon salt added
- 1 Container Fresh Mozzarella – thinly sliced and quartered
- 1 1/2 Cup Pecorino Romano – finely grated
- 5 – 6 Large Tomatoes – sliced (about 1 1/2 per layer if large)
- 1 Bunch Fresh Basil
- Olive Oil – drizzle on top
Instructions:
Make the rice.
While rice is cooking, slice each mozzarella ball and keep them separated (one ball per layer) and finely shred the pecorino and set aside.
Core the tomatoes, slice in half, squeeze out the seeds and as much juice as you can, then slice into as thin of slices as you can.
When the rice is done start the layering. First layer the tomatoes on the bottom of a 2 quart or 2 1/2 quart (I used a 12.2″W x 7.48″D x 2.28″H) casserole dish. Spread half of the rice evenly over the tomatoes. Add a layer of basil leaves making sure to cover the rice completely. Evenly spread out one of the cut up mozzarella balls, you will have space in-between. Evenly sprinkle a half cup of the pecorino over it.
Repeat the steps above.
For the top layer add another layer of tomatoes then the last half cup of pecorino.
(Optional) sprinkle a few of the tiniest basil leaves on the top.
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees
Bake on the middle rack for 40 – 45 minutes or until the cheese is a bit golden.
Health benefits:
Black rice contains a high amount of anthocyanin like blood oranges. The research has found that just a spoonful of black rice coating “bran” has more anthocyanin antioxidants than in a spoonful of blueberries, less sugar, more fiber and vitamin E antioxidants. It is valuable for reducing inflammation and for its anti-aging properties. It is also for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and helps protect the nervous system from degeneration.
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