Braised Leeks & Lentil Gratin

Directions

1. In a medium skillet, sauté bacon until crispy. Remove bacon to a plate lined with paper towel. Drain bacon fat from skillet. Then add butter and leeks. Sauté until tender and slightly golden. Deglaze with white wine, scraping the bottom of skillet to remove delicious bits at bottom.
2. Add stock, salt and pepper, and cover skillet with a lid. Simmer on medium heat for approximately 25-30 minutes. The leeks should be tender.
3. Add cream and reduce to medium heat. Continue cooking until leek mixture thickens, stirring continuously. Remove from heat and add lentils and cooked rice.
4. Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Pour mixture into a buttered casserole dish and sprinkle bread crumbs and cheese evenly. Bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese and bread crumb layer is golden.