Garden Recipe

Prepare vegetables

Wash all vegetables. Core and seed the bell peppers and slice into 1/2-inch strips. Peel the onion and slice into 1/4-inch half-moons. Trim broccoli into small bite-size florets (about 1-inch). Roughly chop or tear the spinach if leaves are large. Dice the tomato into 1/2-inch pieces. Mince the garlic cloves. Slice or tear the fresh mozzarella into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces or thin slices for even melting.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and swirl to coat. Add the broccoli florets and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes so they begin to brown. Stir and cook another 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.

Push broccoli to the side of the pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, then add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and peppers are tender-crisp.

Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.

Add the diced tomato and spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomato warms but does not turn to mush. If using, sprinkle the lemon juice over the vegetables and toss once to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Preheat the broiler of your oven (or set oven to 475°F / 245°C if you prefer baking). If using an oven-safe skillet, keep vegetables in that skillet. Otherwise transfer the cooked vegetable mixture to a shallow baking dish in an even layer.

Distribute the sliced or torn fresh mozzarella evenly over the hot vegetables so it will begin to melt from residual heat.

Place the skillet or baking dish under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, watching closely, until the mozzarella is melted and lightly golden. If using the oven (475°F), bake for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from oven and let rest 2 minutes. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top if using. Serve warm.