Mastering the Provencal tomato tian: Check out the recipe
The Provencal tomato tian, a celebrated dish from southeastern France, is known for its vibrant flavors and colorful vegetable layers. This rustic, elegant side dish is a summer staple, baked to highlight the season's produce. Enjoyed in the warmer months, it embodies Provencal cuisine's tradition. This vegetarian delight is not just tasty but also a cultural treasure. Now, let's begin cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
To prepare this delightful dish, you will need three medium zucchinis, three large ripe tomatoes, two yellow bell peppers, one large onion, four cloves of garlic minced, one-fourth cup of olive oil, two teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to taste. Additionally, gather one cup of breadcrumbs and one-third cup of grated Parmesan cheese for topping.
Preparing the vegetables
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Thoroughly wash all the vegetables. Carefully slice the zucchinis, tomatoes, and yellow bell peppers into uniform one-fourth inch thick rounds. Then, peel and finely chop the onion into rings. This careful slicing ensures even cooking throughout and presents a visually appealing layered arrangement in your Provencal tomato tian.
Assembling the tian
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Arrange zucchini, tomato, bell pepper, and onion slices alternately on their sides until the dish is filled. Ensure slices stand snugly for an attractive setup. Evenly sprinkle minced garlic and thyme leaves over the vegetables. Season the arrangement with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, enhancing the natural flavors.
Baking your tian
After assembling the tian, evenly drizzle it with olive oil. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, loosely tented to allow for heat circulation and to prevent the vegetables from browning too quickly. Place the dish into a preheated 375-degree Fahrenheit oven. Let it bake for about 35 minutes, or until you see that the vegetables have softened while still retaining their structure.
Adding crunchy topping
In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan. After baking the tian for 35 minutes, remove it from the oven and discard the foil. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top. Return the tian to the oven, now uncovered, and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
