Briam

Greek cooks slow-roast vegetables in olive oil and pair them with good bread for a lush, laid-back meal.

YIELD 6 as a main course or 8 as a side dish

TIME 1½ hours, plus 20 minutes cooling

Gather Your Ingredients

Key Equipment

Key Equipment - 13 by 9-inch Broiler-Safe Baking Dishes
Key Equipment - The Best Chef’s Knives for $75 or Less

Before You Begin

*

Use small or medium zucchini, which contain more flesh and fewer seeds, for this recipe. We prefer local seasonal tomatoes here, but supermarket tomatoes will work; plum tomatoes are too dry for this dish. High-quality olive oil is vital. Some oil will pool in the bottom of the baking dish; spoon it over the portioned briam or sop it up with bread. Briam is usually served with crusty bread and feta cheese, but it can also be served over pasta or rice or alongside meat or fish. Serve this dish warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Instructions

1.

 Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Place potatoes, ⅓ cup oil, minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon salt in 13 by 9-inch baking dish and toss to combine thoroughly. Spread into even layer. Scatter half of onion slices over potatoes. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon pepper and ½ teaspoon oregano.

2.

 Scatter bell pepper over surface, followed by remaining onion, sliced garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and remaining ½ teaspoon oregano. Arrange zucchini in single layer. Top with tomato slices, overlapping pieces slightly so they cover entire surface (it should be snug). Pour remaining ⅓ cup oil evenly over tomatoes and sprinkle with remaining ½ teaspoon salt and remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper.

3.

 Cover dish loosely with aluminum foil, leaving sides open so moisture can escape. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake until potatoes can be easily pierced with tip of paring knife and tomatoes have collapsed slightly and started to brown at edges, 40 to 50 minutes. Let cool for at least 20 minutes. Sprinkle parsley over top and serve.

FROM OUR TV SPONSORS

We are thankful to the sponsors who make it possible for us to bring you the America's Test Kitchen TV series on public television. Read more about why we have sponsors.