Vegetarian

Stratas are meant to be put together in advance and refrigerated overnight or at least 4 to 6 hours before baking, which makes them ideal for a plan-ahead brunch or supper. Instead of adding a final layer of bread to the top, I prefer to use breadcrumbs, which are less dense. For bread, use sturdy day-old sandwich bread or an Italian bread, sliced about 1/4-inch thick.

A vegetarian adaption

This popular Egyptian dish of rice, macaroni and lentils in a spicy tomato sauce makes a quick light meal.