Layered Rice Pesto and Pepper Bake

Layered Rice Pesto and Pepper Bake Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Layered Rice Pesto and Pepper Bake is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the richness of Parmesan cheese, the creaminess of goat cheese, the freshness of pesto, and the sweetness of roasted red peppers. It is a perfect dish for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian flavors. The combination of rice, pesto, and cheese is a classic Italian dish, but the addition of roasted red peppers adds a unique and delicious twist. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Italy in a new and exciting way.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice
1.75 cups shredded parmesan cheese, divided
salt and ground pepper to taste
Non-stick vegetable spray
0.5 cup prepared basil pesto sauce, divided
4 oz (113 g) crumbled goat cheese, divided
10 oz (283 g) roasted red peppers, drained, patted dry and chopped

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 cups of Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and rice.
Spray a 7-inch diameter soufflé dish or spring-form pan with nonstick vegetable spray.
Place half of the rice mixture in the bottom of the prepared dish and pat it down well.
Spread half of the pesto evenly over the rice and sprinkle with half of the goat cheese.
Layer half of the red peppers over the goat cheese.
Repeat the above layers.
Sprinkle the remaining 0.25 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
Cut into wedges to serve.

Variations

Substitute the goat cheese with feta cheese for a tangier flavor.
Add cooked chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost.
Use different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato or basil, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pat the roasted red peppers dry before adding them to the dish to prevent excess moisture.

- Be sure to pack down each layer of the dish to ensure that it holds together well when serving.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or artichokes.

Serving Suggestions

This Layered Rice Pesto and Pepper Bake can be served as a main dish with a side salad or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the ingredients in a soufflé dish or spring-form pan helps to create a beautiful presentation and ensures that each layer is evenly distributed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pesto sauce on hand, you can make your own by blending together fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Layered Rice Pesto and Pepper Bake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Layered Rice Pesto and Pepper Bake contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 18 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (Parmesan cheese and goat cheese) and nuts (pesto sauce), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or nut allergies.

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Layered Rice Pesto and Pepper Bake is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. With layers of rice, pesto, Parmesan cheese, goat cheese, and roasted red peppers, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Layered Rice Pesto and Pepper Bake. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. I had always loved to cook, and I would spend hours in the kitchen with my mother, watching her create delicious dishes from scratch.

One day, while I was out walking through the village market, I came across a beautiful old woman selling fresh herbs and spices. Intrigued by her colorful display, I struck up a conversation with her and she told me about a special recipe she had learned many years ago from a dear friend.

The recipe, she said, was for a layered rice dish that was both savory and satisfying. It combined the flavors of pesto, roasted peppers, and creamy cheese to create a dish that was truly a delight to the taste buds.

Eager to try my hand at this new recipe, I asked the old woman to write it down for me. She smiled kindly and handed me a piece of paper with the ingredients and instructions neatly written out in her elegant script.

That evening, I rushed home to my kitchen and set to work preparing the Layered Rice Pesto and Pepper Bake. I cooked the rice until it was tender and fluffy, then mixed in a generous amount of homemade pesto sauce. Next, I roasted red and yellow peppers until they were soft and sweet, and layered them on top of the rice.

I repeated this process several times, creating a tower of rice, pesto, and peppers that would bake together in the oven until golden and bubbly. Finally, I sprinkled a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese on top and popped the dish into the oven to bake.

As I waited for the dish to cook, the tantalizing aroma of pesto and roasted peppers filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When the timer finally beeped, I pulled the dish out of the oven and marveled at how beautiful and delicious it looked.

I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor. I carefully cut into the layers of rice, pesto, and peppers, savoring each bite as the flavors melded together in perfect harmony. The dish was everything I had hoped it would be and more - savory, creamy, and bursting with the fresh flavors of summer.

From that day on, Layered Rice Pesto and Pepper Bake became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it. It became a recipe that I was known for, and one that I would pass down to future generations.

Years passed, and I continued to cook the Layered Rice Pesto and Pepper Bake, refining the recipe and adding my own personal touches along the way. It was a dish that never failed to impress, and one that always brought a smile to the faces of those who enjoyed it.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for that chance encounter with the old woman in the village market so many years ago. It was a moment that changed my life and introduced me to a recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

I may have learned many recipes from various places and people over the years, but the Layered Rice Pesto and Pepper Bake will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a dish that brings back memories of my youth, of simpler times, and of the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

And so, as I take a bite of the savory, creamy dish that I have prepared once again, I can't help but smile and give thanks for the simple pleasures of cooking and sharing good food with those I hold dear.