Veggie Breakfast Bake
May 25, 2009 tagged Dairy-free, Egg-free, Gluten-free, Vegan 
I find breakfast the most difficult meal to eat out. As a result I rarely do it. Too bad because there was a time when I really enjoyed eating breakfast out.
Luckily I did find a place where I can get a great breakfast—a diner at the Jersey shore that has 100s of omelets on their menu. They make farmer’s omelets—where all the ingredients, including potatoes, are cooked together and served mounded on a big plate. When I ordered their Harvest Omelet (hold the eggs, hold the cheese) the waitress asked me to repeat my order. I explained I couldn’t have gluten, eggs or cheese. So, she went back to the kitchen to discuss it with the cook and came back smiling. The cook would have no problem preparing my breakfast sans eggs, dairy, and gluten. And, boy was it good — my plate was heaping with potatoes and veggies. Now the cook knows me by my order. It’s a beautiful thing.
So, here’s the Veggie Breakfast Bake I make on weekends when I can’t get to my favorite breakfast place. It’s easily varied dependent on what you have on hand, what’s in season, and what you like. Add cauliflower, turnips, and parsnips—whatever you fancy. And, experiment with the spices. I happen to be pleased with this blend of spices but some days I try other mixtures and it comes out equally as good.
And, yes, it’s a good lunch or side dish for your favorite grilled dinner.
Veggie Breakfast Bake
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic
1 medium onion
2 medium sized sweet potatoes
2 large red potatoes
2 large carrots
1 red pepper
1 green pepper
1 small head of broccoli
½ teaspoon celery seeds
½ teaspoon crushed dry rosemary
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon Spice Hunter Chili Powder Blend*
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 400℉. I have a convection oven so I use Convection Roast.
Pour the olive oil into a heavy cast iron skillet (one that’s oven proof) set on medium heat. Add the garlic (smashed). Slice the onion and cut each slice into quarters. Add. Stir frequently.
Wash the remaining vegetables. I don’t peel any of them.
Slice the potatoes into ¼ inch rounds and then cut each slice in half or quarters depending on their size. Add to the pan. Add the bay leaf.
It’s good to stir the vegetables prior to each new addition or even more frequently to keep things cooking evenly. And, along the way add more oil if you think it’s needed.
Slice the carrots (1/8 inch) on the diagonal and add.
Remove the tops and seeds from the peppers. Slice into ½ inch strips and then cut each strip into thirds. Add to the pan.
Cut up the broccoli so you have bite-sized florets. And…add to the pan. Mix it all up. Add the spices and mix thoroughly. Cook a few more minutes.
Finally, pop the pan into the oven and cook for 10-15 minutes (or until the veggies reach the desired doneness.)
Serve immediately. Makes 4-6 helpings.
*The label on the Spice Hunter Chili Powder blend states the ingredients are: chile pepper, onion, garlic, cocoa powder, oregano, red pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and cloves. If you can’t find it make up your own blend using these or similar ingredients. Here’s the allergen information for Spice Hunter spices.
