Zesty Briam: Rustic Greek Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Summer’s golden rays dance across the Mediterranean, casting warmth on a classic briam that celebrates fresh, vibrant produce.

Greek kitchens buzz with the aroma of slowly roasting vegetables infused with olive oil and herbs.

This traditional Greek roasted vegetables recipe captures the essence of rustic, simple cooking that connects generations.

Layers of zucchini, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions meld together in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Each bite tells a story of sun-drenched gardens and time-honored culinary traditions.

The dish sings with the richness of extra virgin olive oil and the depth of Mediterranean seasonings.

Dive into this delectable recipe and let your taste buds travel to the heart of Greece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Calories: 130 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Briam: Traditional Greek Roasted Vegetables

• Potatoes: Hearty base that adds creamy texture and filling substance, choose firm potatoes without sprouts or green patches.
• Zucchini: Brings light, tender element with subtle sweetness, select firm zucchinis with vibrant green color and smooth skin.
• Onions: Provides robust flavor foundation and natural sweetness, pick firm onions without soft spots or sprouting.

• Oregano: Delivers classic Mediterranean herbaceous punch, use dried Greek oregano for authentic flavor profile.
• Rosemary: Introduces piney, woody note that complements roasted vegetables, choose fresh sprigs for maximum fragrance.
• Parsley: Adds fresh, bright finishing touch, select crisp green leaves without wilting.
• Garlic: Contributes deep, pungent undertone, choose plump cloves without green sprouts.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Creates silky coating and rich Mediterranean essence, select cold-pressed, high-quality olive oil.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasoning that elevates vegetable natural flavors, use freshly ground pepper for intensity.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and tangy background, choose high-quality, no-salt-added variety for better control.

Prep Tools for Traditional Greek Briam

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing and seasoning vegetables evenly.
• 11-inch oven-safe pan or skillet: Essential for arranging and roasting vegetables.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing potatoes, zucchini, and onions.
• Sharp knife: For precise vegetable cutting.
• Measuring spoons: To measure herbs and spices accurately.
• Aluminum foil: Used to cover the pan during initial baking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for tossing and arranging vegetables.

How to Roast Briam Vegetables the Greek Way

• Vegetable Preparation

Slice potatoes, zucchini, and onions with care. Create thin, even pieces that will roast beautifully and absorb all the delicious Mediterranean flavors.

• Seasoning Magic

Sprinkle herbs and spices generously over the sliced vegetables. Let oregano, rosemary, and garlic dance together, creating an aromatic blend that captures the essence of Greek cuisine.

• Layering Technique

Arrange vegetables in a circular pattern inside an oven-safe pan. Create a beautiful mosaic of colors and textures, alternating between potatoes, zucchini, and onions.

• Tomato Foundation

Spread diced tomatoes across the bottom and top of the vegetable layers. These juicy tomatoes will infuse the dish with rich, tangy goodness and help create a moist cooking environment.

• Olive Oil Embrace

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously over the vegetables. This liquid gold will help vegetables caramelize and develop deep, complex flavors during roasting.

• Oven Transformation

Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 30-40 minutes. Watch as the vegetables turn golden, slightly crisp, and develop a beautiful rustic character.

• Serving Invitation

Remove from oven and let the briam rest. Serve warm, allowing the vegetables to showcase their tender texture and concentrated flavors, embodying the soul of Greek home cooking.

Ideas to Adjust the Spice and Veggie Mix

• Select fresh, firm vegetables to ensure maximum flavor and texture. Mix different colored zucchini or add bell peppers for visual appeal and taste variety.
• Crush dried herbs between your palms before adding to release more intense aromatics. Experiment with fresh thyme or mint for unique Mediterranean flavor profiles.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic Greek taste. Cold-pressed olive oils provide richer, more robust flavor compared to standard grocery varieties.
• Adjust cooking time based on vegetable thickness – thinner slices roast faster and caramelize more quickly. Use a heavy cast-iron skillet for more even heat distribution and beautiful crispy edges.
• Turn leftover briam into a quick pasta sauce by chopping roasted vegetables and mixing with cooked pasta. Crumble feta cheese on top for an extra Mediterranean touch that elevates the dish instantly.

Serving Briam with Bread or Rice

• Mediterranean Feast Companion: Pair this hearty vegetable dish with crusty Greek bread to soak up those delicious roasted vegetable juices.
• Greek Protein Boost: Serve alongside grilled feta-stuffed chicken or classic lamb souvlaki for a complete Mediterranean meal that celebrates traditional flavors.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the roasted vegetables with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or a light red Agiorgitiko to enhance the dish's rustic, earthy notes.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle additional fresh chopped parsley or crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving to add a bright, tangy finish to the colorful vegetable medley.

Refrigeration Tips for Briam That Lasts

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover briam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop and become more robust overnight.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Portion cooled briam into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating in the oven to maintain vegetable texture.
• Meal Prep Companion: Prepare briam in advance as a versatile side dish or main course. Pack individual servings for work lunches or quick weeknight dinners, as the dish tastes delicious cold or reheated.
• Temperature Revival Technique: Reheat refrigerated briam in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of olive oil before warming to refresh the vegetables' moisture and maintain their original roasted flavor profile.

Rustic Briam

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Greek briam showcases Mediterranean vegetable roasting at its finest. Hearty root vegetables and zucchini mingle with olive oil, herbs, and tomatoes, offering home cooks a simple yet deeply satisfying dish you’ll want to savor slowly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¼ lbs / 570 g gold potatoes (about 3 medium-size potatoes), peeled and thinly sliced into rounds
• 1 ¼ lbs / 570 g zucchini squash (2 to 3 zucchini), thinly sliced into rounds
• 1 large red onion or 2 smaller red onions, thinly sliced into rounds
• 1 can (28 oz / 794 g) diced tomatoes with juice
• ½ cup / 35 g chopped fresh parsley
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsps / 3.6 g dried oregano
• 1 tsp / 1.2 g dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper
• Early Harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Calibrate oven to 400°F with rack positioned centrally for uniform heating.
2. Vegetable Seasoning: Blend sliced potatoes, zucchini, and onions with oregano, rosemary, parsley, and garlic, thoroughly massaging each slice with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to ensure comprehensive flavor absorption.
3. Pan Layering: Create a foundational tomato base in a large oven-safe pan, then meticulously arrange seasoned vegetables in an alternating, visually striking circular pattern to maximize flavor integration and aesthetic appeal.
4. Initial Roasting: Cover pan with aluminum foil, allowing gentle steaming for 45 minutes, enabling ingredients to soften and harmonize their distinctive flavors without direct heat exposure.
5. Caramelization: Remove foil and return pan to oven, allowing vegetables to develop rich, golden-brown edges and concentrate their natural sweetness for an additional 30-40 minutes.
6. Finishing Touch: Confirm vegetable tenderness and reduced liquid consistency, then embellish with a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, serving either warmly or at room temperature to highlight the dish’s rustic Greek culinary essence.

Notes

• Vegetable Slicing Technique: Cut vegetables uniformly thick to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Oil Coating Strategy: Thoroughly massage vegetables with olive oil, ensuring each piece is richly coated for maximum flavor absorption and caramelization.
• Layering Importance: Arrange vegetables in artistic circular patterns to create visual appeal and promote balanced heat distribution during roasting.
• Foil Tenting Tip: Cover pan loosely with aluminum foil without touching vegetables, allowing steam to circulate while preventing excessive browning during initial cooking phase.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg