Cheesy "Pizza" Broccoli

I didn't want to serve the same ol' steamed, or stir-fried broccoli,then I remembered a recipe similar to this one, by Daphe Oz(Dr. Oz's daughter), from her lifestyle/cooking book"Relish"
Click image to learn more about the book.It's a perfect choice for college students, young singles andnewlyweds. I'm none of those and I like it too. :)

Daphne's version is even more simple than the one I devised(no roasted tomatoes/garlic/red onions or mozzarella in her version) but this one is a lot more flavorful, in my opinion.

By now, if you've been reading my blog for anylength of time, you know that I love cooking intuitively ~that is with a basic recipe in my head, and then lettingthe creative juices flow!  This is another one of those,and you can adjust it to suit your own taste.



Easy and flavorful, here's what you'll need forthe basic recipe:
Cherry or Roma TomatoesSalt, Freshly ground black pepperOlive oil (or oil of your choice)
Dried oregano leaves1 or 2 cloves garlic, thinly slicedRed pepper flakesHalf an onion, sliveredFresh Broccoli SpearsGrated Mozzarella CheeseFreshly grated Parmesan Cheese
Optional:Lemon wedgesFresh oregano or basil leaves(Extras ~ see below)
Method:
Place rack in center of oven, preheat to 400ºF.
Wash and cut in half a couple of handfuls ofcherry tomatoes, or as many as you want to make a single layer~ (you can use quartered Roma tomatoes or a similar variety; tomatoes that are not too juicy work best in this recipe.)In a shallow baking dish toss them with some olive oil, sea salt and a little freshly ground black pepper.
Place pan in oven and roast tomatoes for 10 to 12 minutes(make take longer, depending upon your oven and the baking dishyou are using.) Scatter 1 or 2 sliced garlic cloves, half of a sliveredonion (white, yellow, red/purple), a couple of generous pinchesof dried oregano, and a couple of pinches of red pepper flakes (optional), give a stir to coat with oil andcontinue roasting for 10 to 12 minutes ~ it's okay if some tomatoesbegin to char.
While tomatoes are roasting, steam broccoli spears until justcrisp tender. Remove tomato pan from oven, arrange broccoliover tomatoes, add a little s & p if desired, sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese (as much or as little as you like), sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and place back in oven, or under hotbroiler until cheese is melted and begins to bubble. Remove from oven allow to cool for a moment, sprinkle with a few fresh oregano or basil leaves.Serve with lemon wedges if desired.



Add any of these optional ingredients if you like:(to be added during second half of roasting tomatoes, orupon serving, as garnish):
sliced or halved flavorful black olivesroasted red pepper slivers or piecesmarinated mushroomssliced green onions (scallions)cured anchovy filletsmarinated artichoke heartscooked Italian sausage crumbles,torn prosciutto, etc.  ~ almost anything goes!




Colorful and tasty, it makes a fine main courseor a great side dish for simply prepared meat, poultry or fish.
Gluten-Free and Vegetarian friendly, too.

Bon Appétit! And thank you for visiting today!

xo~mari

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