Welcome to your new favorite side dish! This vibrant Parmesan Vegetable Tian layers tender potatoes, crisp zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and sweet squash, all baked to perfection with a golden, cheesy Parmesan topping. It’s a healthy, colorful, and utterly delicious accompaniment to roasted meats or a delightful stand-alone meal.

Parmesan Vegetable Tian: Brightening Your Plate Year-Round

Lately, in many parts of the country, especially here in Austin, we’ve been experiencing a persistent stretch of dark and gloomy days. These are the kinds of days that our friends and family in the Midwest and Northeast know all too well – grey skies, a damp chill that settles deep into your bones, and a general longing for sunshine. After what has felt like an exceptionally long winter, I find myself deeply craving the warmth, color, and fresh flavors of summer. I’m quite certain I’m not alone in this yearning for brighter, more vibrant days.

So, what’s the perfect antidote to these winter blues? A culinary pick-me-up! We all could use a little zest, a splash of color, and a lively, fun vegetable side dish bursting with fresh, wholesome flavors. Something that invigorates the senses and reminds us of sunnier times.

The Enduring Charm of a Vegetable Tian

Among our family’s culinary treasures, the vegetable tian holds a special place, cherished as one of our long-time favorites. This classic French-inspired dish is not only hearty and healthy but also remarkably easy to assemble, and oh-so-darn pretty to behold. It truly is a delicious side dish that shines year-round, adapting beautifully to whatever seasonal produce is available. I particularly adore preparing it during the depths of winter. There’s something incredibly comforting about sliding a colorful tian alongside a succulent roast chicken and savoring every bite with a crisp glass of white wine.

Despite the blustery weather outside, this meal transports us. It evokes the feeling of dining al fresco in a sun-drenched European garden, even as it warms us right to the bone from the cozy comfort of our own home. It’s a fine enough illusion, though I admit, I’m still perpetually longing for that lovely, gentle breeze in my hair and the genuine warmth of the sun!

A Burst of Summer in Every Bite

While I appreciate the simple joys of winter – cozy cocoa, soft sweaters, and lazy cuddles – this year, it truly feels like spring cannot arrive quickly enough! I confess, winter, I am so utterly over you.

But while I’m left waiting for nature’s thaw, this incredibly tasty tian generously provides that much-needed warm weather feeling. The magic begins with a fragrant bed of softened onions and garlic, which infuse the entire dish with a foundational sweetness and depth. Layered meticulously on top, the thinly sliced vegetables – potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, and Roma tomatoes – become unbelievably tender as they bake. Each bite delivers an incredible burst of fresh, hearty veggie goodness, brightened by Italian herbs and a hint of olive oil. Served alongside simply roasted meats, such as chicken, lamb, or pork, this dish is nothing short of dee-vine! It elevates any meal with its vibrant flavors and stunning presentation, making even the simplest dinner feel like a special occasion.

The Cheesy Crown: A Touch of Golden Perfection

And if you thought this dish couldn’t possibly get any better, prepare for the grand finale: a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Just wait for the magic to happen! As the tian continues to bake uncovered, these cheeses melt into a bubbly, golden-brown crust that adds an irresistible crispness and a rich, salty counterpoint to the tender vegetables. The whole “shabang” crisps up beautifully in the oven, creating a mouthwatering texture and flavor contrast that pairs exquisitely with whatever main course you’re serving it alongside. Though, honestly, once this cheesy tian is on the table, I sometimes tend to forget about the main course entirely.

For me, it’s all about the tian, baby! This dish truly stands out as a star in its own right, deserving of all the accolades.

So, gather a bounty of fresh, seasonal vegetables, reach for your favorite Italian seasoning blend, choose your best quality olive oil, and get ready to cook up your own scrumptious, summery Parmesan Vegetable Tian. Whether it’s the dead of winter or the height of summer, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfaction to your table. You’re going to absolutely love this dish, I guaran-darn-tee it! It’s not just a side; it’s an experience of flavor, color, and comforting warmth.

Parmesan Vegetable Tian Recipe

Yield:
4 to 5 side dish servings

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 large yellow onion, small diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced
• 1 medium baking potato, thinly sliced
• 2 medium Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
• Heaping 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 Tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly coat a round pie pan or a similar baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant, typically 5-7 minutes. Spread this aromatic onion and garlic mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pie pan. Begin arranging the thinly sliced vegetables (zucchini, yellow squash, potato, and Roma tomatoes) on top of the onion and garlic mixture. Alternate the vegetables as you go, creating a beautiful spiral or layered pattern around the perimeter of the pan. Once the outer ring is complete, continue layering inwards to fill the middle until no open space remains, creating a dense, colorful display.
3. Drizzle the arranged vegetables generously with an additional 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Evenly sprinkle the heaping 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the top, followed by salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Cover the pie pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This initial covered baking helps the vegetables become wonderfully tender.
4. Carefully remove the aluminum foil. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the tender vegetables. Return the uncovered tian to the oven and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is beautifully golden brown and bubbly, and the vegetables are perfectly tender.
5. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delightful and colorful Parmesan Vegetable Tian as a fantastic side dish or a light main course!

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