Vegetable Tian Recipe

Looking for a nutritious and delicious vegetable side dish? Try this Vegetable Tian recipe, an easy-to-make, savory dish made with zucchini, tomatoes, potatoes, and seasoned with fragrant herbs like thyme and dill. Topped with a crispy layer of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this French-inspired recipe is a great way to incorporate fresh, seasonal vegetables into your meals. Whether you’re making it as a side dish for chicken, pork, or beef, or as a wholesome vegetarian main, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its rich, tender flavors and beautiful presentation.

Perfect for meal prepping, this dish can be easily adapted for different vegetables and herbs to suit your tastes. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, the Vegetable Tian is a must-try for anyone looking to make healthy, flavorful meals that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s an excellent option for holiday dinners or special gatherings.

This Vegetable Tian is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines layers of zucchini, tomatoes, and potatoes, all seasoned with herbs and topped with a crispy Parmesan cheese crust. It’s a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. The vegetables are roasted to perfection, giving you a beautiful balance of textures and rich flavors. With a generous dose of thyme, dill, and garlic, this dish is bursting with aromatic goodness. The Parmesan adds a delightful golden crust that elevates the flavors even further.

Ingredients

For the Vegetables:

• 1.5 medium yellow onion
• 3 large cloves of garlic, pressed
• 3 medium zucchini
• 4.5 roma tomatoes
• 3-4.5 russet potatoes (depending on their size)
• 0.75 tsp salt
• 0.75 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1.5 tbsp thyme (fresh or dried)
• 1.5 tbsp dill (fresh, frozen, or 1/2 tbsp dried dill)
• 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp mild olive oil (for the onion and seasoning mix)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Prep the vegetables: Slice the zucchini and tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Peel and slice the potatoes. Chop the onion and peel the garlic.
3. Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Add the garlic and stir for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and transfer to a baking dish.
4. Season the vegetables: In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp thyme, 1 tbsp dill (or 3/4 tbsp if using dried), and 2 tbsp olive oil.
5. Combine the vegetables and seasoning: Place the potatoes and zucchini in a large bowl. Pour the seasoning mix over the veggies and toss to coat evenly.
6. Assemble the tian: Arrange the vegetables in the baking dish by alternating layers of potatoes, tomatoes, and zucchini. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
7. Add Parmesan: After 35 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the top is golden and crispy.
8. Serve: Let the vegetable tian cool slightly before serving.

Tips

• For a crispier texture, you can broil the tian for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
• Slice the vegetables evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried thyme and dill work just as well.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese substitutions: Swap the Parmesan for Gruyère or Mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable variations: Add or replace some of the zucchini with eggplant, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic.
• Herb swaps: If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use oregano or rosemary for a more earthy flavor.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the vegetable layers and the seasoning the night before. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep the dish vegan.

Serving Suggestions

This Vegetable Tian pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef. It’s also a fantastic vegetarian main dish when served with a side salad. For an added protein boost, consider serving it with grilled fish or lentils for a hearty meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegetable Tian is a perfect combination of fresh seasonal vegetables, herb-infused flavors, and a crunchy cheese topping. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a satisfying vegetarian option, this recipe is a great choice for any occasion!

Vegetable Tian Recipe

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

5

minutes

Ingredients

• For the Vegetables:

• 1.5 medium yellow onion

• 3 large cloves of garlic, pressed

• 3 medium zucchini

• 4.5 roma tomatoes

• 3-4.5 russet potatoes (depending on their size)

• 0.75 tsp salt

• 0.75 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1.5 tbsp thyme (fresh or dried)

• 1.5 tbsp dill (fresh, frozen, or 1/2 tbsp dried dill)

• 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp mild olive oil (for the onion and seasoning mix)

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Prep the vegetables: Slice the zucchini and tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Peel and slice the potatoes. Chop the onion and peel the garlic.
• Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Add the garlic and stir for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and transfer to a baking dish.
• Season the vegetables: In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp thyme, 1 tbsp dill (or 3/4 tbsp if using dried), and 2 tbsp olive oil.
• Combine the vegetables and seasoning: Place the potatoes and zucchini in a large bowl. Pour the seasoning mix over the veggies and toss to coat evenly.
• Assemble the tian: Arrange the vegetables in the baking dish by alternating layers of potatoes, tomatoes, and zucchini. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
• Add Parmesan: After 35 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the top is golden and crispy.
• Serve: Let the vegetable tian cool slightly before serving.