Briam: Simple Greek Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Briam, a rustic Greek vegetable medley, refines humble ingredients into a symphony of Mediterranean flavors.

Vibrant vegetables mingle and caramelize under golden olive oil, creating a hearty and comforting dish that speaks to centuries of culinary tradition.

Mediterranean kitchens celebrate this simple yet profound recipe, where each ingredient tells a story of seasonal abundance.

Farmers and home cooks alike have perfected this technique of slow roasting, allowing vegetables to develop rich, concentrated tastes.

The magic of briam lies in its simplicity, where minimal seasoning allows natural vegetable sweetness to shine through.

Careful layering and patient cooking create a dish that transcends mere sustenance, becoming a celebration of fresh, local produce.

You’ll want to gather your favorite vegetables and embrace this authentic Greek cooking method.

Traditional Greek Briam That Brings Veggies to Life

• Elevate Vegetable Simplicity: Briam transforms ordinary vegetables into a stunning, flavor-packed dish that celebrates fresh ingredients with minimal effort and maximum taste.
• Masterful Mediterranean Method: This traditional Greek roasting technique creates incredible depth of flavor by slowly caramelizing vegetables, infusing them with herbs and olive oil, resulting in a mouthwatering one-pan wonder.
• Effortless Healthy Comfort: A nutritious, vegetarian meal that comes together with simple ingredients, requiring just basic chopping and minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious and wholesome dinner options.

Ingredients to Roast for Authentic Greek Flavor

• Potatoes: Starchy base that provides hearty texture and absorbs flavors wonderfully, choose waxy varieties for best results.
• Zucchini: Adds fresh, light vegetable element with soft texture, select firm and bright green zucchinis.
• Onions: Provides sweet and aromatic base for the dish, use yellow or white onions for traditional flavor.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall vegetable flavors.
• Oregano, Rosemary: Classic Greek herbs that bring authentic Mediterranean earthy and robust taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh finish to the roasted vegetables.
• Garlic: Delivers deep, rich aromatic base that complements vegetable sweetness.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Key component for authentic Greek flavor and helps vegetables roast beautifully, choose high-quality cold-pressed oil.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Creates rich sauce and moisture for roasting process, provides slight acidic balance to vegetables.

Briam Instructions That Lock In Juiciness

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the middle for even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Vegetables

• Sliced potatoes
• Zucchini

• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano
• Fresh rosemary
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Minced garlic

Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and toss until vegetables are completely coated.

Step 3: Create the Base Layer

Select a large oven-safe pan or skillet (around 11 inches). Spread half of the canned diced tomatoes across the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Artfully Arrange Vegetables

• Potatoes
• Zucchini
• Sliced onions

Alternate vegetables to create an attractive design.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Pour remaining olive oil and garlic mixture over the vegetables. Top with remaining diced tomatoes.

Step 6: First Baking Phase

Cover the pan with aluminum foil, creating a slight tent to prevent direct contact with vegetables. Bake for 45 minutes.

Step 7: Final Roasting

Remove foil carefully and return pan to oven. Continue roasting for 30-40 minutes until vegetables are tender, slightly charred, and most liquid has disappeared.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature as a delightful Greek-inspired side dish.

Tips for Roasting Without Losing Texture

• Slice Uniformly: Cut vegetables to similar thickness for even cooking and professional-looking presentation.
• Layer Strategically: Arrange vegetables in circular, overlapping pattern to maximize flavor absorption and create beautiful visual texture.
• Control Moisture: Use ripe but not overly watery tomatoes to prevent excess liquid during roasting.
• Season Generously: Don't be shy with olive oil and herbs- they're key to authentic Greek vegetable flavor profile.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow dish to sit 10-15 minutes after roasting to let flavors meld and vegetables settle.

How to Store Greek Briam Without Soggy Results

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled briam to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, spread vegetables in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Drizzle with extra olive oil before serving to restore moisture and enhance flavor.
• Microwave Option: Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water if vegetables seem dry.

Dishes to Serve With Briam

• Savor Mediterranean Wines: Pair Briam with crisp Greek white wines like Assyrtiko or Moschofilero, which complement the roasted vegetables' earthy flavors and cut through their richness.
• Enhance with Rustic Breads: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or traditional Greek pita bread to soak up the delicious olive oil and tomato juices from the dish.
• Match with Protein Partners: Accompany Briam with grilled lamb, baked feta, or herb-crusted chicken to create a complete and satisfying Mediterranean meal that balances the vegetable medley.
• Elevate with Fresh Herb Dressing: Drizzle a light tzatziki or herb-infused yogurt sauce over the roasted vegetables to add creamy texture and bright, tangy notes that enhance the overall dining experience.

Variations That Bring Briam to New Heights

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate additional Mediterranean herbs like thyme, mint, and marjoram to enhance the traditional flavor profile, creating a more complex and aromatic vegetable dish.
• Spicy Greek Version: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a fiery kick that transforms the classic briam into a zesty, bold vegetable roast.
• Protein-Packed Option: Introduce crumbled feta cheese or cubed halloumi during the last 15 minutes of roasting, or layer sliced chicken or lamb between the vegetable rows for a heartier meal.
• Mediterranean Vegan Delight: Incorporate protein-rich chickpeas or white beans, and garnish with fresh chopped basil and a drizzle of tahini sauce to elevate the nutritional value and create a complete plant-based meal.

Briam: Traditional Greek Roasted Vegetables Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Greek briam elevates humble vegetables into a Mediterranean masterpiece of slow-roasted comfort. Potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes mingle with olive oil and herbs, creating a rustic dish that connects you to the soul of Greek home cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 1 ¼ pounds / 570 grams gold potatoes (about 3 medium-size potatoes), peeled and thinly sliced into rounds
• 1 ¼ pounds / 570 grams zucchini squash (2 to 3 zucchini), thinly sliced into rounds
• 1 large red onion or 2 smaller red onions, thinly sliced into rounds

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons / 3.6 grams dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon / 1.2 grams dried rosemary
• ½ cup / 35 grams chopped fresh parsley
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper

Liquid and Sauce:

• 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) diced tomatoes with juice
• Early Harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a robust 400°F, positioning the rack centrally to ensure even heat distribution.
2. Combine sliced potatoes and zucchini in a spacious mixing vessel, generously coating them with fragrant herbs like oregano and rosemary, complemented by fresh parsley and minced garlic.
3. Massage the vegetables with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring each slice glistens with aromatic seasonings and is thoroughly seasoned with salt and pepper.
4. Select a large oven-safe pan and create a vibrant base by spreading half the diced tomatoes across the bottom, creating a juicy foundation.
5. Artfully arrange the seasoned vegetables in concentric circular patterns, alternating potatoes, zucchini, and onions to create a visually appealing mosaic.
6. Cascade the remaining olive oil and garlic mixture over the vegetable arrangement, then crown the dish with the remaining diced tomatoes.
7. Gently tent aluminum foil over the pan, ensuring it hovers without touching the vegetables, and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the ingredients to steam and meld flavors.
8. Remove the foil and return the pan to the oven, allowing the vegetables to caramelize and develop deep, rich color for an additional 30-40 minutes.
9. Verify doneness by checking for tender, slightly charred vegetables and a reduced liquid consistency.
10. Finish with a luxurious drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and serve either warm or at ambient temperature, celebrating the rustic Greek culinary tradition.

Notes

• Prep Technique: Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation.
• Seasoning Strategy: Use fresh herbs and generous olive oil for authentic Greek flavor profile.
• Layering Trick: Arrange vegetables in circular pattern for visually stunning and evenly roasted dish.
• Moisture Management: Covering with foil initially helps vegetables steam, then uncovering allows caramelization and liquid reduction.
• Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed warm or at room temperature with an extra drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared in advance and reheated, with flavors developing and improving over time.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg