Tian Provençal - Confit of zucchini and tomato

Experience the flavors of Provence with this delightful tian—a classic vegetable bake that encapsulates the simplicity and elegance of French cuisine. Created by the esteemed Chef Roger Vergé, this dish features layers of finely sliced zucchinis, tomatoes, and onions, baked to perfection with a hint of garlic and aromatic bay leaves. Enjoy this confit of vegetables as a versatile side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main.

Ingredients

🧅 3 medium-sized onions
🥒 700 grams courgettes (zucchinis)
🍅 6 medium-sized tomatoes (around 600 grams)
🧄 2 garlic cloves
🫒 150 ml olive oil (divided into 100 ml before cooking and 50 ml after)
🌿 2 large bay leaves, finely chopped
🧂 Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1- Preparation:

• Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (around 400 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Peel and thinly slice the onions. Set aside.
• Wash the courgettes and tomatoes. Slice them into thin, even rounds, ensuring the pieces are approximately the same diameter across all vegetables.
• Mince the garlic cloves finely.

2- Assemble the Tian:

• In a 24 cm (9.5 inch) ceramic quiche pan or similar ovenproof dish, spread the sliced onions to create an even bed at the bottom of the dish.
• Begin layering the courgette and tomato slices in an alternating pattern, slightly overlapping each piece until the entire dish is filled with concentric circles or rows.
• Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic over the layered vegetables.
• Drizzle 100 ml of olive oil over the top and season generously with salt and pepper.
• Distribute the finely chopped bay leaves over the vegetables.

3- Cooking:

• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. The vegetables should become tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
• Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the remaining 50 ml of olive oil over the tian for an enhanced flavor and glistening finish.

4- Serving:

• Serve the vegetable tian hot alongside grilled white meats like fish or chicken. For a vegetarian option, enjoy it with a bit of toast, feta cheese, and a touch of balsamic vinegar. Pair with a rose wine from Cotes de Provence for a true Southern French experience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 as a side dish
Equipment: 24 cm (9.5 inch) ceramic quiche pan, Sharp knife, Cutting board, Oven

Cooking Tips:

• Buy extra courgettes and tomatoes as their size can vary.
• Make sure the vegetables are firm to ensure the best texture after baking.

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Provencal Vegetable Tian