There’s something about summer vegetables that just feels like a warm hug from the sun, isn’t there? This delightful vegetable tian captures that vibrant essence—layered colors and flavors that mingle like an impromptu backyard jam session. And oh, when it’s bubbling in the oven, the aroma is like a gentle nudge, reminding you of those lazy, sun-soaked afternoons that seem to stretch on forever.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Dice one yellow onion and mince two cloves of garlic, then sauté them in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat until they are soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
- While the onion and garlic are cooking, wash and slice the zucchini, yellow squash, potato, and tomato into thin, 1/4-inch slices. Ensure the potato slices are particularly thin so they cook thoroughly.
- Prepare an 8×8 inch casserole dish by coating it with non-stick spray. Spread the sautéed onion and garlic evenly at the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange the sliced vegetables on top of the onion and garlic in the casserole dish. Stack them vertically and alternate them in a pattern, similar to dominos.
- Generously season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the top with shredded Italian blend cheese, and continue baking uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Optionally, garnish the finished dish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 medium yellow squash
- 1 medium potato
- 1 medium tomato
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1086.64kcal | Carbohydrates: 90.96g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 63.2g | Sodium: 2476.56mg | Fiber: 14.24g
FAQ
- What is a Summer Vegetable Tian?
- A Summer Vegetable Tian is a dish that layers fresh summer vegetables and savory herbs, topped with cheese, and baked until perfection. It highlights the natural flavors of the vegetables while adding a touch of richness with the cheese.
- What type of cheese works best for this dish?
- Creamy cheeses complement this dish well. Although a four-cheese Italian blend is used in the recipe, other creamy cheeses can also work nicely to enhance the flavor.
- How should the vegetables be prepared for the dish?
- The vegetables, including zucchini, yellow squash, potato, and tomato, should be sliced thinly (about 1/4-inch thick) to ensure they cook evenly and soften properly in the oven.
- Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
- While the Summer Vegetable Tian is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can prepare the sliced vegetables and sautéed onions in advance. Assemble and bake the dish just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
- Is there a way to make this dish more affordable?
- This dish is already designed to be budget-friendly. You can reduce costs further by using seasonal vegetables or substituting with what you have on hand.
Tips
- Ensure that the potatoes are sliced very thinly, about 1/4-inch thick, to allow them to cook quickly and evenly in the oven.
- When layering the vegetables in the dish, don’t worry about making it look perfect; simply fit them in as best as you can.
- Use a creamy cheese or a blend like Italian cheese for topping, as it complements the dish’s flavors well and adds a nice golden finish.
- For an optional garnish, add some freshly chopped parsley on top after baking for a pop of color and freshness.
Equipment
- Mandoline Slicer – For uniform, thin slicing of vegetables.
- 8×8 Inch Casserole Dish – If you don’t already have a baking dish of this size.
- Large Skillet – For sautéing onions and garlic, if not already owned.
- Non-stick Spray – To coat the casserole dish, although some may have this at home.
