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Provencal Cabbage and Kale Gratin

Recipe by Marsha Shulman; Serves six; Advance preparation: This can be made a day ahead and reheated. Or prepare the vegetables through step 1 a day ahead, and assemble the gratin the next day. It will keep for four or five days in the refrigerator. About 20-30 minutes of active time; 1.5 hours total

1 pound kale, stemmed, washed thoroughly and cut in slivers
1 pound cabbage, quartered, cored and cut in slivers
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed
6 leaves fresh sage, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt, preferably kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper
2 eggs
1/2 cup rice, preferably a short grain rice like Arborio, or brown rice, cooked
3 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (3/4 cup, tightly packed)
3 tablespoons bread crumbs

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Oil a two-quart shallow baking dish (or gratin pan). Heat two tablespoons of the olive oil in a large, heavy nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the onion. Cook, stirring often, until tender and translucent, about five minutes. Stir in the garlic, sage and thyme, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the kale and about 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook in the liquid left on the leaves after washing until the kale begins to wilt. Stir often, and when most of the kale has wilted, add the cabbage and salt to taste. Add 1/2 cup water, and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes until the water has evaporated; the kale and cabbage should be wilted and fragrant but still have some texture and color. Add pepper, taste and adjust salt. (Allow the vegetables to cool slightly, so that they do not "cook" the eggs in the next step.)

2. Beat the eggs in a bowl, and stir in the cooked vegetables, the cooked rice, and grated Gruyère. Stir together well, and scrape into the baking dish. Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the top, and drizzle on the remaining olive oil. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, until firm and browned on the top. Allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Serve hot or warm.