Description
A delicious Summer Vegetable Tian featuring thinly sliced zucchini, yellow squash, potato, and tomato layered with sautéed onions and garlic, seasoned with thyme, and topped with melted Italian blend cheese. This baked vegetable dish is perfect as a light main or a flavorful side, embodying the best of fresh summer produce.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced ¼ inch thick
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced ¼ inch thick
- 1 medium potato, sliced ¼ inch thick
- 1 medium tomato, sliced ¼ inch thick
Seasonings and Toppings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup Italian blend cheese, shredded
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare aromatics: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until onions become soft and transparent, about 5 minutes.
- Slice vegetables: While the aromatics cook, thinly slice the zucchini, yellow squash, potato, and tomato into ¼ inch slices. Ensure potato slices are thin for even cooking.
- Arrange vegetables in baking dish: Coat the inside of an 8×8 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray. Spread the sautéed onion and garlic evenly on the bottom. Arrange the sliced vegetables vertically in an alternating pattern (like dominoes) on top.
- Season and bake covered: Season the layered vegetables generously with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and dried thyme. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Add cheese and bake uncovered: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Italian blend cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the tian from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a side or a light main dish.
Notes
- Make sure potato slices are thin to ensure they soften well during baking.
- You can substitute the Italian blend cheese with mozzarella or Gruyère for different flavor profiles.
- This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a crisp green salad for a complete summer meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
