Basmati Rice and Kale Gratin
This is a perfect way to sneak a Nutritious & Delicious meal in for your kids ~ good luck.

Serves 8

This fragrant, creamy gratin provides a whopping serving of calcium.

Ingredients

2 cups vegetable stock
1 cup diced red bell peppers
1 cup whole-kernel corn
1 1/4 cups uncooked basmati rice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
4 pounds kale
1 1/4 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
2/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup fresh whole wheat bread crumbs
1/4 cup toasted wheat germ
Olive oil

Preparation

COMBINE: the stock, bell peppers, corn, rice and thyme in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, cover and simmer until the rice is tender, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

PREHEAT: the oven to 400 degrees. Wash (but do not dry) the kale and trim and discard the stems. Place the kale in a large pt, cover and cook over medium-high heat until it wilts, about 5 minutes. (The water on the leaves is sufficient to steam the greens.) Drain and coarsely chop. Fluff the rice mixture with a fork.

IN A LARGE BOWL: Combine the cooked kale, the rice mixture, ricotta, half of the Parmesan, salt and pepper. Place in an oiled, 2-quart gratin dish. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan, breadcrumbs and wheat germ. Bake until golden and bubbling almost 30 minutes.