I always include at least three elements in my grain bowls: the grains, the topping and something to garnish the topping, usually a protein, often a poached egg. I wanted some contrasting crunch as well as some cheese, so I made Parmesan crisps, also known as frico, one of the easiest, best-kept secrets in the Italian repertoire.
03Add tomatoes, sugar, basil sprig and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring from time to time, until tomatoes have softened and cooked down, 5 to 10 minutes.
04Cover skillet, reduce heat and simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thick and fragrant. Stir in slivered basil. Taste and adjust seasonings. Keep warm.
05Make Parmesan crisps: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 1 or 2 baking sheets with silicon mats or parchment. Spoon heaped tablespoons (about 1/2 ounce) grated Parmesan onto silicon mat or parchment, then use a spoon to flatten rounds until they are about 4 to 4 1/2 inches in diameter and very thin. They should be about 2 inches apart. Bake 9 to 10 minutes, switching pans front to back, until the cheese is brown and lacy. Remove from heat and allow the rounds to cool. Once cooled, they should be crisp all the way through.
06Spoon rice into bowls. Top with peppers. Garnish with torn leaves of fresh basil and a Parmesan crisp.