Vegetable Tian (casserole)

What in the world is a Vegetable Tian?

Well, its a vegetable and cheese casserole.

I highly recommend that if you have never made a Vegetable Tian - that you please give my recipe a try.

Most Vegetable Tian's are very similar. The core base is onions and garlic topped with potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes and cheese. I do this dish during the summer with beautiful tomatoes but in the fall I like to replace the tomatoes with summer squash.

This side dish is a perfect compliment to my Braised Beef w/Onion Gravy. It also goes well with a roast chicken or a grilled steak.

Vegetable Tian is a highly versatile side dish I know you and your family will love. It is a great side dish to do when company is expected for dinner. You can prepare it one full day ahead to save yourself some prep time.

To prepare - Brush olive oil inside a 9 x 13 x 2 inch baking dish.

Cut all your vegetables and potatoes

Preheat oven 375 degrees

Ingredients:

2 large yellow onions - sliced

2-3 garlic cloves - minced

1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes- sliced 1/8" (no need to peel)

2 lb of Zucchini - sliced approx 1/8"

2 lb of Summer Squash or Tomatoes - sliced 1/8"

2 Thyme sprigs - leaves removed and lightly chop

1/2 cup of shredded Cheese (you can use Gruyere, sharp cheddar, Fontina or Parmesan)

Salt & Pepper

Optional - 1 Tbsp chopped Fresh Parsley

Directions:

In a large saucepan heat olive oil until hot then add onions. Cook for 10-12 minutes until quite brown. Add the garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper.

Optional - if you have it on hand you can add a splash of white vermouth or white wine to the onions and garlic. Allow to simmer for 2 minutes.

When the onions and garlic are done pour them into the baking dish and evenly spread until the bottom is covered.

In any order you like (potato, zucchini, tomato or summer squash) - place your vegetables together on-top of the onions. I like to use the onions to anchor the vegetables up a bit, but if they fall down, no problem.

Keep all the vegetables in a single layer. Do not double stack.

The baking process is done in 2 steps.

First - cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This will allow the vegetables to steam.

After 30 minutes remove the casserole dish from the oven and remove the foil.

*Be careful as there will be a release of steam.

Second - take your selected cheese and spread all over the top of the vegetables.

Place the casserole dish back into the oven uncovered for 30 minutes more.

Optional - you may finish with fresh chopped parley over the vegetables before serving.

ENJOY!