If you have the oven on for something else--like the Middle Eastern Meatballs/Kofta recipe I posted earlier--why not bake a simple vegetable side dish at the same time? Baking rescues ho-hum tomatoes and onions and turns them sweet and tasty. Those little brown bits in the pan? They're rich and caramel-tasting. You don't need much seasoning for the tomatoes and onions, just a bit of garlic powder and salt, if you'd like. Sprinkle on some chopped or torn fresh basil, and you have an easy and special side dish.
Baked Tomatoes and Onions with Basil -- Serves 4
4-6 tomatoes, cored and sliced
1/2 a large onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon of lemon pepper (optional)
1/4 teaspoon of salt (optional)
Fresh basil, torn or chopped (optional)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Place the tomatoes in one layer on the prepared pan and sprinkle on the onions, garlic powder, and, if you're using them, the lemon pepper and salt. Bake the tomatoes for 30-40 minutes or until soft and browned a bit on the edges. Sprinkle on the fresh basil and serve the tomatoes hot or at room temperature.
