Traditional Provençal Vegetable Tian: A Vibrant and Flavorful Gratin

Provençal Vegetable Tian is a savory and colorful dish hailing from the Provence region in France. This gratin-like dish is layered with a variety of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplants, seasoned with aromatic herbs, and baked to perfection. Its simplicity and depth of flavor make it an excellent addition to any meal, highlighting the natural essence of fresh produce.

Ingredients:- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced- 2 medium eggplants, thinly sliced- 4 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced- 1 large onion, thinly sliced- 4 cloves garlic, minced- 1/4 cup olive oil- 1 tsp dried thyme- 1 tsp dried rosemary- 1 tsp dried oregano- Salt and pepper to taste- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese- Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the vegetables: slice the zucchinis, eggplants, and tomatoes into uniform thin rounds. Slice the onion thinly and mince the garlic.

3. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil in the bottom of a large baking dish or a tian.

4. Layer the vegetables in the dish vertically, alternating between zucchini, eggplant, tomato, and onion slices.

5. Evenly scatter the minced garlic over the top of the vegetable layers.

6. In a small bowl, mix the remaining olive oil with the dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this herb-infused oil over the vegetables.

7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

8. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

9. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

10. Serve your Provençal Vegetable Tian warm as a side dish or a main course with a crusty baguette or a fresh green salad.

Enjoy the beautiful harmony of flavors and the vibrant presentation that embodies the essence of the Provence region in every bite!