Hearty Mediterranean Vegetable Tian
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Hearty Vegetable Tian, inspired by Barefoot Contessa's beloved recipe. This elegant dish showcases a colorful array of fresh vegetables, including tender potatoes, creamy zucchini, and juicy tomatoes, all beautifully baked to perfection with aromatic herbs and a hint of cheese. Perfect as a main or a side dish, this recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious option that brings warmth to any table. Gather your loved ones to savor this delightful medley of flavors!
8
Servings
180
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2-3 tablespoons (for sautéing and drizzling)
Yellow onions
2 large (cut in half, sliced)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Medium round potato
1 lb (unpeeled, sliced)
Zucchini
3/4 lb (sliced)
Medium tomatoes
1 1/4 lbs (sliced)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon (plus extras for garnish)
Fresh thyme sprig
1 (for baking)
Gruyere cheese
2 ounces (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Lightly brush a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with a generous amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3
In a medium sauté pan over medium-low heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Evenly spread the onion-garlic mixture across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5
Carefully slice the unpeeled potato, zucchini, and tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Begin layering the vegetables in the dish atop the onion mixture, arranging them alternately in a tight, single layer for visual appeal.
6
Generously sprinkle the layered vegetables with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme for depth of flavor and drizzle with an extra tablespoon of olive oil.
7
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
8
After the initial baking time, remove the foil, discard the thyme sprigs, and sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese evenly over the top of the vegetable layers.
9
Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
10
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm, colorful Vegetable Tian as a delightful main or side dish!
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
12g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hearty Mediterranean Vegetable Tian?
It is a colorful baked dish featuring layers of potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes, inspired by Mediterranean flavors and often topped with cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this vegetable tian?
The main ingredients include yellow onions, garlic, potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes, and Gruyere cheese, seasoned with fresh thyme and olive oil.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Hearty Mediterranean Vegetable Tian is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How should I prepare the onions?
Cut the onions in half and slice them, then saute them in olive oil for 8 to 10 minutes until soft and translucent.
Do I need to peel the potatoes for this recipe?
No, the recipe calls for unpeeled potatoes sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
What is the thickness for the vegetable slices?
The potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes should all be sliced into rounds approximately 1/4-inch thick.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x13x2-inch baking dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
How do I prevent the vegetables from sticking to the dish?
Lightly brush the baking dish with a generous amount of olive oil before adding the ingredients.
How long should the tian bake while covered?
Bake the dish tightly covered with aluminum foil for 35 to 40 minutes.
When do I add the cheese?
Add the grated Gruyere cheese after the initial 35 to 40 minutes of baking once the foil has been removed.
How long does it bake after adding the cheese?
Bake it uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 2 ounces of grated Gruyere cheese.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories, 11g of fat, 12g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?
While fresh thyme is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried thyme as a substitute, typically using about one-third the amount.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are ready when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
What is the role of the garlic in this dish?
Minced garlic is added to the onions at the end of sauteing to provide a fragrant aromatic base for the vegetables.
How should the vegetables be layered?
The vegetables should be arranged alternately in a tight, single layer on top of the onion mixture.
Should I remove the thyme sprigs?
Yes, you should discard the thyme sprigs after the initial covered baking period before adding the cheese.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
It is best enjoyed warm, either as a main course or a side dish.
How much olive oil is used in total?
The recipe uses approximately 3 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil for brushing the dish, sauteing, and drizzling.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers and refrigerate the dish before baking, though it is best baked fresh for texture.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Medium-sized round tomatoes are best for creating consistent slices that match the potato and zucchini rounds.
Does this recipe include any sugar?
No, this recipe contains no added sugar.
What makes this dish 'Mediterranean'?
The combination of olive oil, garlic, zucchini, tomatoes, and fresh herbs like thyme are hallmarks of Mediterranean cuisine.
How much salt and pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, or to taste.
Can I substitute Gruyere with another cheese?
Yes, you could use Swiss, Emmental, or even Parmesan if Gruyere is unavailable.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How long should I let the dish cool before serving?
Let the tian cool slightly for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to settle before serving.