Rustic Ratatouille Tian
This Rustic Ratatouille Tian brings together an exquisite medley of vibrant vegetables, beautifully layered for both aesthetic and flavor. A delightful mix of seasonal produce like butternut squash, zucchini, and tomatoes showcases the essence of Mediterranean cooking. Baked in a cast iron skillet, the dish combines a savory onion and garlic base, topped with a crispy, cheesy breadcrumb crust that provides a satisfying crunch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a stunning centerpiece for any special occasion, this tian is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve it warm as a side dish or as a vegetarian main course. Watch the preparation in this [video tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjIK2lZgWhk)!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (plus more for greasing the pan)
panko breadcrumbs
1 cup (for the bottom layer)
red onions
3 cups (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (pressed)
red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (to taste)
dry red wine
2 tablespoons
butternut squash
1 large
russet potatoes
2 large (scrubbed)
zucchini
1 large (scrubbed)
tomatoes
2 large (washed)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons
herbes de provence
1/2 tablespoon
sea salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
gruyere cheese
1 cup (grated)
clarified butter
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a cast iron pan with olive oil. Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs across the bottom of the pan and set aside.
2
In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the finely chopped red onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent. Stir in the pressed garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute.
3
Pour in the dry red wine and let the mixture cook for 1.5 to 2 minutes until the wine has absorbed. Spread this aromatic onion mixture evenly over the prepared breadcrumb layer in the cast iron pan.
4
Using a mandolin slicer, cut the butternut squash, russet potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes into uniform 1/4-inch thick slices. Precook the butternut squash and russet potato slices in the microwave for 5 minutes on 'High'. Allow them to cool slightly.
5
Arrange the vegetable slices in a beautiful spiral pattern, alternating starting with a russet potato slice, followed by a tomato, then a slice of butternut squash, and finally zucchini. Continue this stacking method around the pan for an eye-catching presentation.
6
Drizzle the lemon juice over the arranged vegetables and sprinkle Herbes de Provence, sea salt, and black pepper to taste. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 60 minutes or until the vegetables are fork-tender.
7
While the tian is baking, prepare the topping by mixing together the grated Gruyere cheese, the remaining 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs, and the clarified butter until well-combined. Set aside.
8
After 60 minutes, carefully remove the tian from the oven and take off the foil. Evenly spread the cheesy breadcrumb topping over the layer of vegetables. Return the tian to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the topping is golden and the cheese has melted.
9
Once done, remove the tian from the oven and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This dish yields 8 delicious servings.
Nutrition Information
40g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Rustic Ratatouille Tian?
A Rustic Ratatouille Tian is a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring layered vibrant vegetables like butternut squash, zucchini, and tomatoes, baked in a cast iron skillet with a savory onion base and a crispy cheesy topping.
What vegetables are needed for this recipe?
You will need one large butternut squash, two large russet potatoes, one large zucchini, and two large tomatoes, along with three cups of chopped red onions.
How should the vegetables be sliced?
For even cooking and a beautiful presentation, use a mandolin slicer to cut the butternut squash, potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes into uniform 1/4-inch thick slices.
Why do I need to microwave the butternut squash and potatoes?
Precooking the butternut squash and russet potato slices in the microwave for 5 minutes on 'High' ensures they become tender at the same rate as the softer vegetables like zucchini and tomatoes.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before beginning the preparation.
How do I prepare the base of the tian?
The base is prepared by greasing a cast iron pan, sprinkling one cup of panko breadcrumbs, and spreading a sautéed mixture of red onions, garlic, red pepper flakes, and dry red wine.
What is the purpose of the panko breadcrumbs at the bottom of the pan?
The bottom layer of panko breadcrumbs helps absorb moisture from the vegetables during baking and adds texture to the base of the dish.
How are the vegetables arranged in the pan?
The vegetables are arranged in a spiral pattern, alternating between russet potato, tomato, butternut squash, and zucchini slices for an eye-catching presentation.
What seasonings are used in this Ratatouille Tian?
The dish is seasoned with lemon juice, Herbes de Provence, sea salt, black pepper, and a hint of red pepper flakes.
How long does the tian need to bake?
The tian is first baked covered for 60 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 15 minutes after adding the cheesy topping.
What is the cheesy topping made of?
The topping is a mixture of one cup of grated Gruyere cheese, half a cup of panko breadcrumbs, and two tablespoons of clarified butter.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the Gruyere cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and the clarified butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This Rustic Ratatouille Tian recipe yields 8 servings.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, 40g of carbohydrates, and 7.5g of protein.
Is there a video tutorial for this recipe?
Yes, a video tutorial is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjIK2lZgWhk.
Should I peel the zucchini and potatoes?
The recipe suggests scrubbing the zucchini and russet potatoes, implying the skins are left on for texture and nutrition.
What kind of wine is best for this recipe?
A dry red wine is recommended to cook into the onion mixture for added depth of flavor.
How long should the dish rest after baking?
Allow the tian to sit for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing and serving.
Can I use a different type of pan if I don't have cast iron?
While cast iron is recommended for heat retention and even cooking, you can use a standard ceramic or glass baking dish, though cooking times may vary slightly.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It can be served warm as a beautiful side dish for holidays or as a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Is Gruyere the only cheese I can use?
While Gruyere offers a traditional nutty flavor, you can substitute it with Parmesan, Emmental, or Swiss cheese if desired.
How do I know when the vegetables are done?
The vegetables are done when they are fork-tender after the initial 60 minutes of covered baking.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Herbes de Provence?
Yes, fresh thyme, rosemary, and savory can be used, but dried Herbes de Provence is specifically mentioned for its convenient and classic flavor profile.
What does 'pressed' garlic mean?
Pressed garlic refers to garlic cloves that have been crushed through a garlic press to release their oils and create a fine texture that blends well into the sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes one teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which adds a mild heat, but this can be adjusted to your personal taste.
Can this be prepared in advance?
You can slice the vegetables and prepare the onion mixture in advance, but for the best texture, it is recommended to assemble and bake the dish just before serving.
What makes this a 'tian' rather than just a ratatouille?
A tian refers to the method of layering the vegetables vertically in a dish, whereas a traditional ratatouille is often a stewed vegetable medley.
How much olive oil is used?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used to sauté the onions, plus a little extra for greasing the pan.
Can I use yellow onions instead of red?
Yes, yellow onions or shallots can be used as a substitute for red onions, though red onions provide a slightly sweeter flavor and color.
Is this dish gluten-free?
As written, the recipe contains panko breadcrumbs which contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs.