Gratin of Summer Squash

Ingredients

• 2 12 lbs squash (half yellow and half green zucchini)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 12 cups water
• 12 cup long-grain white rice
• 14 cup olive oil
• 3 medium leeks
• white and light green part only
• finely chopped (about 3 cups)
• 2 garlic cloves
• minced
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 34 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• salt
• fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Using a food processor fitted with shredder blade, shred the yellow squash and green zucchini.
2. Place in a colander and add salt, mixing until well distributed; place colander over a bowl and let drain for 15-30 minutes, capturing the juices in the bowl.
3. Wrap the shredded squash/zucchini in a clean dish towel and wring over the bowl to collect any additional juices; set the juices aside and dry the squash well with a dry towel.
4. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil; add in the rice, adjust the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes; drain and reserve.
5. Preheat oven to 425.
6. In an 11-inch ovenproof pan or skillet over med-high heat, warm 3 tablespoons oil; add in leeks and saute until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
7. Add in the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the squash/zucchini; saute until almost tender, about 3 minutes.
8. Add in the garlic and parsley; saute for 1 minute.
9. Sprinkle in the flour and stir over medium heat for 2 minutes.
10. Remove from the heat and add the half-and-half and the squash liquid; return to medium heat and continue to cook, stirring constantly until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
11. Add in rice and all but 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese; mix well.
12. Season with salt and pepper; sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
13. Bake until browned and bubbling and the rice has absorbed the liquid, about 25 minutes; serve immediately.