recipe
Briam (Roasted Vegetables)
Active Time:
20min
Ready In:
90min
Servings:
4-6
Good For:
Dinner
Inroduction
About this Recipe
By: Eleni Saltas
Where do you see yourself in five years? That’s a standard go-to question for interviewers, strangers trying to get to know you, and family members when you’re graduating High School or College. So, you make something up like I did. If you asked me that question five years ago, walking on the moon would’ve been a more likely answer than what I’m doing now–writing about vegetables. Five years ago I hated vegetables. I would spend hours at the dinner table avoiding anything green and colorful, meanwhile wishing I were up in space eating packaged space food. Thankfully, my dad is so stubborn about Greek food it was only a matter of time I finally began eating and enjoying healthy Greek dishes. Now I even write about how much I enjoy vegetables.
One of my favorite Greek vegetable dishes is Briam. It’s a traditional dish that’s simple, tasty, and can be enjoyed year round, though it is mostly considered a summer dish when the freshest vegetables come farm to table, or from your garden. You can find many Briam recipes depending on the flavors and vegetable combinations that that particular cook enjoys. With Briam, I can mix and match my own favorites. For example, I love spicy foods, so I add more spicy vegetables and herbs—even Mexican peppers, like Jalapeno or Serrano on occasion. This recipe is just a tool you can either follow exactly, or subtract vegetables you may not be fond of, and add more of what you do. Use whatever vegetables you have in your fridge before they go to waste. The fun thing with Briam is it can be different every time. Your taste buds won’t be mad at whatever the outcome is. Now, time to load up the veggies and enjoy one of the healthiest dishes you’ll ever eat.
- 1 eggplant, cut into ½ inch slices*
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 2 red onions, thinly sliced
- 4 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 3 bell peppers (whatever color you like), sliced
- 1 jalapeño or serrano (optional), sliced
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons oregano, or more to taste
- 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Step 2
Oil a casserole dish or deep ceramic baking dish. Begin by layering the potatoes and zucchini atop each other at the bottom of the casserole dish. With each layer, drizzle olive oil, then season with garlic, oregano, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3
Arrange the eggplant, onions, and peppers, tomatoes, and any other vegetables you use to your liking—no rule here, but I start with potatoes and zucchini at the bottom because they take longer to cook. At some point you can place the vegetables vertically, but be sure all the vegetables are placed snugly next to each other.
Step 4
Add the tomato sauce, and then drizzle with olive oil. Be generous with the olive oil so the vegetables don’t burn, plus it creates a nice sauce. Season with a dash of oregano and salt and pepper on top.
Step 5
Cover your briam with a heavy lid to keep vegetables moist. You may also use aluminum foil. Bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours. Halfway through, check on the vegetables and stir. Add extra liquid if necessary. Remove the lid or aluminum foil and cook until the vegetables are tender and brown.
Step 6
Allow to cool. Serve with feta and warm bread.
Notes
Number 1
When cutting vegetables, cut them into similar slices so you can arrange them into patterns, or you can just as easily cut them into bite-sized chunks and toss them all together.
Number 2
Other vegetables that go nicely in this dish, if available include okra, carrots, and string beans. Basically, add the vegetables you like.
Number 3
Wash and slice eggplant, sprinkle the slices with salt and place in a colander. Let drain for 30 minutes while you prepare your other veggies.
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