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Mediterranean Broccoli and Tomato Casserole

Servings

2

Serving size

1/2 recipe
COOKING TIME
60 Minutes

This recipe can easily be multiplied. This recipe makes good leftovers, but plan ahead: bake the vegetable and rice mixture for about 15 minutes, then top with cheese and put back in the oven until the cheese melts.

Mediterranean Broccoli and Tomato Casserole

Ingredients

2 1/4 cup Water
1/2 cup Brown rice
2 Tbsp. Olive oil (divided)
1 medium White onions (thinly sliced)
8 ounces Broccoli, raw
6 ounce Grape or cherry tomatoes
8 large Green olives (sliced lengthwise into 6 slivers each)
2 tsp.. Capers
2 tsp.. White wine vinegar
2 tsp.. No salt added tomato paste
1/2 tsp.. Honey
1/8 tsp., ground Dried tarragon
1 tsp. Dried marjoram
1 to taste Black pepper
2 ounce Provolone cheese (slices)

Instructions

In a medium sauce pan, bring the water to a boil then stir in the brown rice.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, for about 45 minutes.

Do not boil away all of the liquid and do not stir the rice.

When a very small amount of liquid remains, remove the pan from the burner and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving. (If desired, you may use 1 cup leftover cooked brown rice instead of cooking the rice fresh.)

Meanwhile, place a large skillet in the oven and preheat the oven to 325F.

Separate the broccoli into florets that are about 1 1/2 inches across, leaving about an inch of stem. Cut up the remaining stem into about 3/4 inch chunks, slicing away and discarding the more woody pieces.

Place 1 teaspoon of the olive in the pan and swirl to coat. Add the onion and toss.

Roast the onion for about 5 minutes, then add the broccoli, toss, and return to the oven.

Roast for 20 minutes, tossing occasionally.

Add the tomatoes and toss, then roast for another 10 minutes.

In a small bowl, place the rest of the olive oil, olives, capers, vinegar, tomato paste, honey, tarragon, marjoram, and pepper and whisk together.

When the tomatoes are done, place the veggies in a large mixing bowl and add the rice and the vinaigrette. Toss well.

Divide the mixture into two au gratin dishes and top with the cheese. Place the dishes in the oven until the cheese melts, then serve.

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Special Diet Information

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GERD / Acid Reflux

This recipe contains GERD triggers and those with GERD may wish to avoid it.

Lactose

This recipe contains cheese and some of those who are lactose intolerant may be able to tolerate it.

Coumadin® (Warfarin)

This recipe is NOT safe for Coumadin (warfarin) users.

Gluten Sensitivity

This recipe is safe for those who are sensitive to gluten.

Sodium

This is a low sodium recipe.

Recipe Notes

I love the idea of this recipe which is, in essence, a warm salad more than a casserole.

All these flavors and textures work so well together – the sweet roasted tomatoes, the umami from the onions and cheese, the rich vinaigrette with the exotic salty olives and capers, the flowery flavor of the herbs – all topped by melted cheese.

This is a great dish for making ahead on a Sunday and then having on hand later in the week. The roasted veggies and vinaigrette take a few minutes to prep and it make a great dish to use for your leftover rice. You can bake it for about 15 minutes, top with the cheese and finish when the cheese melts.

"The olive tree is surely the richest gift of Heaven. I can scarcely expect bread."

Thomas Jefferson