VEGETARIAN BROCCOLI-CHEESE PIE
2 tablespoons plain dry breadcrumbs
4 large eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 cups cubed whole-wheat country bread (about 2 slices, crusts removed)
3 cups broccoli florets
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup grated Monterey Jack or part-skim mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan with cooking spray. Add breadcrumbs, tilting to coat bottom and sides. Whisk eggs, milk, hot sauce, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add bread and stir to coat. Set aside in the refrigerator. Steam broccoli until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Refresh under cold water and drain well. Chop coarsely. Heat oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, stirring often, until softened and light golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the onion mixture and broccoli to the egg mixture; stir in cheese. Pour into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake the pie until light golden and set, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool slightly, cut into wedges and serve.
