Meatless Monday: Brown Rice Gratin

This is super quick and yummy. You can make this dish using whatever vegetables you have on hand. It's delicous with just spinach! You can also alter the rice using what you have on hand as well.

Brown Rice Gratin

1/2 c brown rice

2 TBSP butter

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups vegetables, thawed if using frozen

2 TBSP sunflower seeds or pine nuts, toasted (optional)

1 c mozzarella cheese

1-2 tsp mixed herbs (based on veggies, for example if I were making an Italian gratin, I'd use a combination of basil, oregano, and parsley. For southwestern gratin, I'd use cumin, chili powder, and cilantro)

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Cook rice in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside. Preheat oven to 350. Melt butter in a large pan. Cook onion in butter until tender. Add garlic, herbs and vegetables, stirring constantly until tender. Remove from heat. Stir in rice mixture and seeds if using. Add salt, pepper, and 1/2 c of the cheese. Pour into a greased casserole or 9x9 pan. Top with remaining 1/2 c cheese. Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes or until cheese is golden.