Name: Basil Vegetable Strata
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 3 teaspoons canola oil, divided; 3/4 pound sliced fresh mushrooms; 1 cup finely chopped sweet onion; 1 large sweet red pepper, cut into strips; 1 large sweet yellow pepper, cut into strips; 1 medium leek (white portion only), chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 10 slices whole wheat bread, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 large eggs; 4 large egg whites; 2-1/2 cups fat-free milk; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Basil Vegetable Strata is a layered bread casserole featuring sweet red and yellow peppers, onions, mushrooms, and mozzarella, baked in a creamy mixture of eggs, parmesan, and fresh basil, ideal for a

Ingredients

3 teaspoons canola oil, divided

3/4 pound sliced fresh mushrooms

1 cup finely chopped sweet onion

1 large sweet red pepper, cut into strips

1 large sweet yellow pepper, cut into strips

1 medium leek (white portion only), chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

10 slices whole wheat bread, cut into 1-inch pieces

1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

8 large eggs

4 large egg whites

2-1/2 cups fat-free milk

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1 In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook and stir until tender, 8-10 minutes. Remove from pan.

2 In same pan, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until golden brown, 6-8 minutes. Remove from pan and add to the mushrooms.

3 Add remaining oil to pan. Add peppers, leek, salt and pepper; cook and stir until leek is tender, 6-8 minutes. Stir in sauteed mushrooms and onion.

4 In a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray, layer half each of the following: bread pieces, vegetable mixture, mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, egg whites and milk until blended; pour over layers. Sprinkle with basil. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.

5 Preheat oven to 350°. Remove strata from refrigerator while oven heats.

6 Bake, covered, 50 minutes. Bake, uncovered, until lightly browned and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 10-15 minutes longer. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.