Description
Barefoot Contessa Vegetable Tian delivers Mediterranean charm with layers of colorful zucchini, tomatoes, and eggplant baked to perfection. Herbes de Provence and parmesan cheese elevate this rustic French-inspired side dish that makes vegetables irresistible for dinner gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 450g (1 lb) medium waxy potatoes, unpeeled, sliced ¼-inch (5mm) thick
- 340g (¾ lb) courgettes, sliced ¼-inch (5mm) thick
- 570g (1¼ lb) medium tomatoes, sliced ¼-inch (5mm) thick
- 55g Gruyère cheese, grated
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Liquid:
- 3 tablespoons good olive oil, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly coating a 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Create a flavor base by gently sautéing finely chopped onions in olive oil over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes until they become soft and translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aromatic qualities.
- Distribute the onion and garlic mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a fragrant foundation for the vegetable layers.
- Construct elegant layers by carefully arranging thinly sliced potatoes, courgettes, and tomatoes in alternating, slightly overlapping patterns to ensure even cooking and visual appeal.
- Enhance the dish’s flavor profile by generously seasoning the vegetable layers with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and scattered thyme leaves, then strategically place whole thyme sprigs for additional depth of flavor.
- Drizzle the remaining of olive oil over the layered vegetables to promote moisture and help develop a rich, golden surface during baking.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become tender and the vegetables to soften completely.
- Remove the thyme sprigs and generously sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese across the top of the vegetable layers, creating a golden, bubbling crust.
- Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become slightly crisp.
- Allow the gratin to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier, then present warm as a delightful side dish or light main course.
Notes
- Prep ahead by slicing vegetables uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and an appealing presentation.
- Select fresh thyme leaves to elevate the dish’s aromatic profile and bring vibrant herbal notes.
- Experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar to personalize the cheese layer and add depth of flavor.
- Spread vegetables in a single layer to prevent steaming and encourage beautiful caramelization and golden-brown edges.
- Allow the tian to rest briefly after baking, letting ingredients settle and flavors harmonize before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg