Briam: Traditional Greek Roasted Vegetables

Briam is a delicious traditional Greek dish made with roasted vegetables. It's often considered a summer dish because it features an array of fresh seasonal vegetables. The dish is quite simple to prepare and showcases the natural flavors of the vegetables. Here's a basic recipe for making Briam:

Ingredients:

4-5 medium-sized tomatoes, diced

2-3 zucchinis, sliced

2-3 potatoes, sliced

1-2 onions, thinly sliced

2-3 bell peppers (red, green, or a mix), sliced

3-4 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh herbs like basil and parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

In a large baking dish, start layering the vegetables. Begin with a layer of potatoes, followed by zucchinis, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Sprinkle minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper evenly between the layers. Repeat until all the vegetables are used up.

Drizzle the olive oil over the top layer of vegetables, making sure to coat them evenly.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.

Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. You can uncover the dish during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to allow the top to brown slightly.

Once the Briam is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil and parsley if desired.

Serve the Briam warm or at room temperature. It's often enjoyed as a main dish with some crusty bread or as a side dish to grilled meats.

Briam is a versatile dish, and you can customize it by adding other vegetables you like or adjusting the seasonings to your taste. It's a fantastic way to savor the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine and enjoy the bounty of summer vegetables.