Greek Rice and Shrimp Bake With Feta Crumb Topping

This Greek spin on the classic baked rice casserole calls for shrimp, but chicken can also be used. Cut three large boneless chicken breasts into cubes and brown first in oil in a hot skillet before adding to cooked rice. If you plan on doubling the recipe, use 2 1/2 cups (625 mL) rice and only 4 1/2 cups (1.125 L) stock. From Food and Drink.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 cups  chicken stock
• 1  bay leaf
• 1  tablespoon butter
• 1  teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 1⁄4 cups long-grain white rice
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  onion, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2  teaspoons dried oregano leaves
• 1⁄4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 2  large tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1  large red bell pepper
• 1  lb  large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed

• Feta Crumb Topping

• 3⁄4 cup  soft  fresh breadcrumb
• 3⁄4 cup  crumbled feta
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Place stock and bay leaf in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Add rice; return to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is just tender.
4. Add lemon juice, butter and 1/2 the oregano.
5. Stir well and remove from heat, let cool to room temperature.
6. Remove bay leaf.
7. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
8. Cook onion, garlic, hot-pepper flakes and the rest of the oregano , stirring, for 4 minutes or until softened.
9. Add tomatoes and red pepper; cook for 3 minutes until softened.
10. Stir in rice and spread in a greased 10-cup shallow casserole dish. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate.
11. Preheat oven to 375°F.
12. Bury shrimp in rice.
13. Combine bread crumbs, feta and parsley in a bowl; spread over rice.
14. Bake in oven for 25 to 30 minutes until shrimp are pink and topping is light golden.