A Summer Vegetable Tian is a beautifully arranged dish that showcases the best of the season’s produce in a colorful, layered presentation. This classic French dish is not only a visual delight but also bursts with fresh flavors, featuring thinly sliced zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, and potatoes. Each layer is seasoned with herbs like thyme and rosemary, garlic, and sometimes onions, all baked to tender perfection with a golden, cheesy topping.
Recipe: Summer Vegetable Tian
Ingredients:
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into thin rings
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small zucchini
- 1 small yellow squash
- 1 large potato
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a round or oval baking dish with some olive oil.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat one tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion slices and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Spread the onion and garlic mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Thinly slice the zucchini, yellow squash, tomato, and potato into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds. A mandoline slicer works best for consistent thickness.
- Arrange the Vegetable Slices:
- Arrange the slices of zucchini, squash, tomatoes, and potatoes in alternating patterns (e.g., potato, zucchini, squash, tomato) in the dish, standing them up vertically, until the dish is filled.
- Season and Oil:
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the vegetables. Sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper evenly over the top.
- Bake the Tian:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the vegetables, and bake for another 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve:
- Let the tian cool slightly before serving. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
This Summer Vegetable Tian is a celebration of the season’s fresh produce, transformed into a dish that is both satisfying and beautiful. Its simplicity highlights the natural flavors of the vegetables, while the aromatic herbs and garlic add a delightful depth. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to impress with both its appearance and taste.
