Briam
Briam is a rustic and flavorful Greek dish of mixed summer vegetables baked in olive oil and tomato. It's a staple of Greek home cooking, celebrated for its simplicity and delicious, tender results.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Potatoes
- 2 medium Zucchini
- 1 large Eggplant
- 4 medium Tomatoes
- 1 large Onion
- 150 ml Olive oil
- 4-6 cloves Garlic
- 120 ml Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Prepare all your vegetables as described in the ingredients list. Ensure they are cut into roughly uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
In a large roasting pan or baking dish (big enough to hold all vegetables in a single layer if possible), combine the prepared potatoes, zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, onion, and garlic cloves. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the vegetables. Pour in the water (or vegetable broth). Toss everything gently with your hands or a large spoon to ensure all the vegetables are coated in oil and seasonings.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. This initial steaming helps the vegetables to soften.
⏱️ 45 minutes - 5
Remove the foil and stir the vegetables gently. Continue baking uncovered for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are very tender, slightly caramelized, and have a beautiful golden-brown hue. The liquid should have reduced to a rich sauce.
⏱️ 30-45 minutes - 6
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Let the briam rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 5-10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Don't be shy with the olive oil; it's essential for the dish's rich flavor and texture.
- ✓The vegetables should be fork-tender and slightly browned. If they aren't tender enough after the initial bake, cover and continue cooking.
- ✓Briam is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It's excellent as a main vegetarian dish or as a side to grilled meats or fish.
- ✓For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano or thyme along with the salt and pepper in step 2.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add 1-2 sliced bell peppers (any color) along with the other vegetables.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or dill, chopped and stirred in during the last 10 minutes of baking, or sprinkled over before serving.
- A splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice added in the last 15 minutes of baking can add a bright counterpoint.