Joe Roshkovsky
Classic Provençal Vegetable Tian: A Medley of Fresh Summer Vegetables Baked to Perfection
Here’s a great recipe for you:
This Classic Provençal Vegetable Tian is a delightful dish that originates from the South of France. It showcases a beautiful array of fresh summer vegetables, including zucchini, tomatoes, and eggplant, all layered together and baked to perfection. The dish is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavors – thanks to the combination of herbs, garlic, and olive oil. It’s an excellent side dish for any grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light, vegetarian main course.
Ingredients:
Vegetables:
– 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
– 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
– 1 medium eggplant, thinly sliced
– 1 yellow squash, thinly sliced
Other Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
– Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the vegetables: Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Slice the zucchinis, tomatoes, eggplant, and yellow squash into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic.
3. Sauté the onions and garlic: In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Assemble the tian: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Spread the sautéed onions and garlic evenly across the bottom of the dish. Arrange the sliced vegetables upright in an alternating pattern (e.g., zucchini, tomato, eggplant, yellow squash) to create a visually appealing display.
5. Season the vegetables: Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
6. Bake the tian: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top (if using), and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the top is slightly golden.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the tian from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
This Classic Provençal Vegetable Tian is best served warm and pairs wonderfully with a simple baguette or alongside your favorite protein. Buon appétit!
