Rice Timbales

Directions

1. 1
   Place the oven rack in the center position and preheat the oven to 375 F.
2. 2
   Bring the water, olive oil, salt, and bay leaves to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.
3. 3
   Stir in the rice and bring the water back to a boil.
4. 4
   Lower the heat so the water is simmering, cover the pan, and cook until the rice is al dente and the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
5. 5
   (If there is still a little water left in the pan when the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, a minute or two, until the liquid is absorbed.)
6. 6
   While the rice is cooking, butter six 8-ounce ramekins or custard cups and sprinkle the insides evenly with bread crumbs.
7. 7
   Bring a kettle of water to a boil, then keep it hot over low heat.
8. 8
   Remove the rice from the heat and beat in 4 tablespoons butter, the spinach, grated cheese, and chives.
9. 9
   Divide the rice mixture among the prepared ramekins and cover each with a small square of aluminum foil.
10. 10
    Set a baking pan large enough to hold the ramekins on the oven shelf.
11. 11
    Set the ramekins in the pan, leaving some space between them, and pour in enough hot water from the kettle to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
12. 12
    Bake 15 minutes.
13. 13
    Remove the aluminum foil and bake until the tops of the timbales are lightly browned and feel firm to the touch, about 15 minutes.
14. 14
    Carefully remove the pan from the oven and remove the ramekins from the hot-water bath.
15. 15
    Let stand 5 minutes.
16. 16
    Run a paring knife around the inside edge of the ramekins and, working one at a time, unmold the ramekins onto serving plates.
17. 17
    If you have trouble freeing the timbales from one of the ramekins, leave the ramekin in place on top of the overturned timbale while unmolding another, then return to it.