HOW TO PREPARE BRIAM.

Briam (also known as tourlou tourlou) is a classic Greek dish made with roasted vegetables, typically including zucchini, potatoes, and eggplant, seasoned with olive oil and herbs. It’s simple, healthy, and packed with Mediterranean flavors. Here’s a basic recipe for preparing Briam:

Ingredients:

1. 2 zucchinis, sliced
2. 2 eggplants, sliced
3. 3-4 potatoes, peeled and sliced
4. 1-2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
5. 2 onions, sliced
6. 3-4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
7. 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
8. 1/2 cup of olive oil
9. 2 teaspoons dried oregano
10. 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or use fresh thyme leaves)
11. Salt and pepper to taste
12. Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
13. Feta cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions:

1. Preparation:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Lightly grease a large baking dish or roasting pan.
   • If the eggplants are bitter, you might want to salt them and let them sit for about 20-30 minutes. Rinse and pat them dry before using.
2. Layering the Vegetables:
   • Start by arranging a layer of potatoes at the bottom of the dish.
   • Continue layering the rest of the vegetables in the order you prefer.
   • Intersperse slices of tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers between the layers of zucchini and eggplant. You can create as many or as few layers as you like.
3. Seasoning:
   • Drizzle the olive oil generously over the layered vegetables.
   • Sprinkle the minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the top.
4. Baking:
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30-45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized on top.
5. Serving:
   • Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill.
   • Serve with a slice of feta cheese on top if desired. Briam can be enjoyed hot, at room temperature, or even cold.

This rustic dish emphasizes the flavors of the vegetables, elevated by the herbs and olive oil. It’s perfect for summertime when these vegetables are in season. Enjoy your Briam!