Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent, 3-5 minutes.

Step 2

Add a bit more oil, if needed, then add the garlic, a pinch of salt, 2 bay leaves, and the tomato paste. Stir until the tomato paste begins to caramelize on the bottom of the pan, 1-2 minutes.

Step 3

Add the canned tomatoes and break them apart with tongs or the back of a wooden spoon.

Step 4

Add the Parmesan rind and basil, burying them into the sauce.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed. Remove and discard the Parmesan rind, bay leaves, and basil. Set the sauce aside to cool.

Step 6

Prepare the rice. In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the rice and stock and stir to combine.

Step 7

Add the 2 remaining bay leaves and a pinch of salt.

Step 8

Bring to a boil, then immediately cover and reduce down to a simmer.

Step 9

Simmer for 15 minutes without removing the lid.

Step 10

After 15 minutes remove from the rice from the heat, stir, and transfer to a large bowl to cool for 5-10 minutes.

Step 11

Preheat the oven to 400˚F (200˚C)

Step 12

Once the rice has cooled, taste to check if it needs more salt, then add the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly with your hands.

Step 13

Generously coat the inside of a bundt pan with butter.

Step 14

Add the breadcrumbs and tilt the pan around to coat. Once well-coated, tap out excess crumbs into a bowl and reserve.

Step 15

Using your hands, line the bundt pan with an even layer of the rice, bringing it up to about ½ an inch (1 cm) from the top of the pan.

Step 16

Tear apart the mozzarella and layer it over the rice.

Step 17

Cover with a layer of tomato sauce.

Step 18

Top with a layer of rice mixture and smooth with the back of a spoon to seal in the sauce completely.

Step 19

Top with reserved bread crumbs and brush with oil or spray with cooking spray to ensure a nice crust forms.

Step 20

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and edges have crisped up..

Step 21

Remove from the oven and cool for about 10 minutes before flipping out of the pan.

Step 22

Fill the cavity with any remaining tomato sauce and garnish with basil, Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Step 23

Slice and serve.

Step 24

Enjoy!