Summer Squash Rice Gratin

adapted from Gourmet magazine

2 cups cooked short-grain rice~ I like to use pearl rice from Winco's bulk section for this

2 yellow summer squash, sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick (of course, you can use zucchini if you have some :-)

6 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1- 14oz. can diced tomatoes, drained well

1 medium onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1 cup grated Manchego cheese (I get mine from Costco)~ you can also use Pecarino Romano or another hard cheese if you prefer

• Preheat oven to 450F.
• Toss squash with 1 tablespoon oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a shallow baking pan. Toss tomatoes with 1 tablespoon oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt in another baking pan.
• Roast squash on top shelf in oven and tomatoes on bottom shelf, turning vegetables once halfway through roasting, until tender, about 10 minutes for tomatoes and 20 minutes for squash. Leave oven on.
• Meanwhile, cook onion and garlic with 1/2 teaspoon salt in 2 tablespoons oil in a large heavy skillet, covered, over low heat, stirring occasionally, until very tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Stir together rice, onion mixture, eggs, thyme, 1/2 cup cheese, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Spread half of rice mixture in a 2 quart baking dish, then top with half of the squash. Spread remaining rice mixture over squash, then top with remaining squash. Top with tomatoes and drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil, then sprinkle with remaining cheese.
• Bake on top rack of oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes.