Description
The Ultimate Briam is a traditional Greek vegetable bake featuring layers of zucchini, potatoes, eggplant, onions, and red bell pepper all cooked in a fragrant tomato sauce with garlic, oregano, and olive oil. This hearty and healthy Mediterranean dish is baked until tender and golden, perfect as a vegetarian main or a flavorful side.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Tomato Sauce & Seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups passata or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch chili flakes (optional)
Others
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice all your vegetables—zucchini, potatoes, eggplant, onion, and red bell pepper—into uniform 1/4-inch rounds to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: In a bowl, combine the passata or crushed tomatoes with minced garlic, dried oregano, sugar, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful tomato sauce base.
- Toss Vegetables with Sauce and Oil: In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced vegetables with the remaining olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and half of the prepared tomato sauce. This will help infuse the veggies with great flavor before baking.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Then arrange the vegetables in overlapping rows or layers inside the dish for an attractive presentation and even cooking.
- Add Remaining Sauce and Cover: Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the arranged vegetables. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the initial baking phase.
- Bake Covered: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes with the foil on. This steams the vegetables gently and allows flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 to 40 minutes. This step caramelizes the vegetables, making them tender and golden-brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let your briam rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking to allow juices to settle. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- Ensure vegetables are sliced uniformly for even cooking.
- You can add a pinch of chili flakes if you prefer a slight kick.
- Briam tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded.
- Serve with crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats or fish.
- This dish is naturally vegetarian and vegan.
