Savory Strata

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* Exported from MasterCook II *

 

Savory Strata

 

Recipe By : Laurie Burrows Grad - Entertaining Light and Easy

Serving Size : 8 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Breakfast Eggs

Lowfat

 

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

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1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion -- finely chopped

6 mushrooms, stems removed, -- thinly sliced

1 medium zucchini, ends trimmed, washed -- sliced

1 clove garlic -- finely minced

14 1/2 ounces ready-cut diced tomatoes -- thoroughly drained

5 egg whites

2 whole eggs

1 1/3 cups 1% low-fat milk

2 teaspoons snipped fresh dill

2 tablespoons low-fat feta cheese

dash tabasco sauce

salt and freshly ground white pepper -- to

taste

6 cups (about 9 slices) Italian, French or

sourdough bread, cut into 1/2 " cubes

4 teaspoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

fresh parsley -- to garnish

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350. Lighlty coat an 8 by 12 or similar size

ovenproof baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

 

2. In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and saute the

onion, mushrooms, and zucchini, stirring often, until softened, about

6 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Add the

tomatoes, stir to combine, and set aside.

 

3. Whisk the egg whites with the eggs, milk, dill, feta cheese,

tabasco, and salt and pepper until smooth.

 

4. Layer half the vegetable mixture on the bottom of the prepared

baking dish. Top with half the bread cubes, then the remaining

vegetables, and the remaining bread cubes. Pour the egg mixture over

all and sprinkle the top evenly with the Parmesan cheese. Press the

bread down to make sure it gets soaked with the egg mixture.

 

5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden.

 

6. Allow to cool slightly, cut into squares, and serve warm or at

room temperature, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

 

Variation: Stratas are very versatile and should be varied according

to seasonal availability and personal preference. Green bell peppers,

mushrooms, and other vegetables can be added if desired; whole grain

bread can be substituted for white; low-fat cheddar, swiss, Monterey

Jack, goat cheese, or other low-fat cheeses can be substituted for

the feta cheese; basil can be substituted for the dill.

 

Do-Ahead Prep: The strata can be assembled the day before through

Step 4, covered tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerated until

ready to cook.

 

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NOTES : A strata is sort of a savory bread pudding that is a great

way to use up stale bread. The point of a strata (which literally

means layers) is that the finished porduct is much more interesting

than the main ingredients. Traditionally, stratas consist of buttered

bread, eggs, and cheese. This lightened version reduces the fat but

still retains that creamy and comforting flavor and texture that

makes it a hit for brunch, lunch or supper.