Experience Greece: Easy & Flavorful Briami (Greek Roasted Vegetables) Recipe
Dive into the heart of Mediterranean cuisine with our incredible recipe for Greek Roasted Vegetables, affectionately known as Briami. This traditional Greek dish transforms simple, fresh vegetables into a tender, flavorful medley, roasted to perfection in a rich, tomato-based sauce. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous topping of crumbled feta cheese, Briami is a versatile culinary delight. Whether served as a hearty main course over fluffy rice, tossed with your favorite pasta, or enjoyed as a vibrant side dish, this recipe promises to bring the sun-drenched flavors of Greece right to your kitchen table.
What is Briami? The Heart of Greek Comfort Food
Briami, pronounced “bree-ah-mee,” is a classic Greek vegetable bake, deeply rooted in the country’s culinary traditions. It’s essentially a symphony of seasonal vegetables, generously coated in olive oil, herbs, and a rich tomato sauce, then slow-roasted until they are incredibly tender and bursting with flavor. Think of it as the Greek answer to Ratatouille, but with its own distinct Mediterranean twist, often featuring potatoes, zucchini, and eggplant as its stars. This humble dish is a testament to the simplicity and richness of Greek cooking, proving that wholesome ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly extraordinary.
I’ve received numerous requests for a delicious Greek roasted vegetable dish, and as a huge enthusiast of Mediterranean food, I was thrilled to create this Briami recipe for you. It’s a dish I’ve come to cherish, much like my go-to Ratatouille, offering a similar comforting warmth but with a unique Greek character. For this recipe, I’ve hand-picked a variety of vegetables that are easily customizable to your preferences. My choice includes vibrant zucchini, creamy eggplant, hearty potatoes, aromatic onion, ripe tomatoes, and sweet bell peppers, all lovingly tossed with diced tomatoes, rich tomato sauce, fragrant oregano, and a touch of refreshing mint. This combination ensures every bite is packed with authentic Mediterranean goodness.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Briami Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: The slow roasting process, combined with a rich tomato sauce and aromatic herbs like oregano and mint, coaxes out the natural sweetness and depth of each vegetable.
- Highly Customizable: Don’t have a specific vegetable? No problem! Briami is forgiving and encourages you to use whatever fresh produce you have on hand or what’s in season.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and healthy olive oil, this dish aligns perfectly with the renowned Mediterranean diet, promoting well-being and vibrant health.
- Versatile Serving Options: From a light vegetarian main to a robust side, Briami fits seamlessly into various meal plans.
- Simple to Prepare: While it bakes for a while, the active prep time is minimal, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.
The Perfect Roast: Tips for Tender Greek Vegetables
The beauty of Briami lies in its simplicity and the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the vegetables. After mixing all the ingredients, the dish roasts in the oven for approximately an hour. When it emerges, golden and bubbling, you’ll be eager to dig right in. I often serve this as a delightful side dish alongside a variety of meals, from Mediterranean Chicken with Basmati Rice to a comforting Slow Cooker Mediterranean Whole Chicken. But don’t limit its potential; these Greek Roasted Vegetables also make an incredibly satisfying vegetarian meal when served over a bed of rice or tossed with pasta. A generous sprinkle of creamy feta cheese and vibrant fresh parsley is, in my opinion, non-negotiable for that authentic finish.
While researching various approaches to making Greek Roasted Vegetables, the name “Briami” consistently surfaced. There are many regional variations, which gave me the creative freedom to put my own spin on this beloved classic. I particularly enjoy when roasted vegetables are bathed in a luscious tomato-based sauce, much like my recipe for Lebanese Green Beans. This tomato base adds a fantastic layer of flavor and helps tenderize the vegetables beautifully. If tomato isn’t your preference, you can certainly reduce the amount or omit it entirely. In that case, adding a small layer of water or vegetable broth to the baking dish will help the vegetables cook thoroughly and remain moist.
Speaking of Greece, my husband Mike and I are incredibly excited for our upcoming vacation there in June! Beyond the breathtaking beaches, stunning views, and iconic white buildings, the food is a major draw. I can’t wait to savor authentic local dishes and return home brimming with new inspiration to share even more Greek-inspired recipes with you.
Creative Variations & Serving Suggestions for Your Briami
One of the best aspects of Briami is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and customize this recipe to suit your taste and whatever fresh ingredients you have available. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Add Legumes: For an extra boost of protein and fiber, stir in a can of drained and rinsed white beans or chickpeas during the last 15-20 minutes of roasting.
- Mix Up the Vegetables: While the core vegetables are fantastic, don’t hesitate to experiment! Incorporate mushrooms, sliced carrots, celery, or even a handful of leafy greens like spinach or kale (add these towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking).
- Explore Serving Styles:
- Over Grains: Serve over white or brown rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete and satisfying meal.
- With Pasta: Toss the roasted vegetables with your favorite pasta shape for a delightful vegetarian pasta dish.
- As a Side: It’s a perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken, fish, lamb, or even a simple omelet.
- Mezze Platter: Serve it chilled or at room temperature as part of a Mediterranean mezze spread with pita bread, hummus, and tzatziki.
- With Crusty Bread: A thick slice of crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture.
- Seasonal Bounty: Take full advantage of warmer months and farmer’s market finds. Use whatever fresh, seasonal vegetables are at their peak for the most vibrant flavors. Summer squash, bell peppers of different colors, and fresh garden tomatoes are particularly wonderful.
- Herb Alternatives: While mint and oregano are classic, a touch of fresh thyme or rosemary can also complement the dish beautifully.
Greek Roasted Vegetables (Briami) Recipe
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Greek Roasted Vegetables
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Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4 inch slices
- 3 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/2 red onion, cut into wedges {or you can use a sweet onion}
- 3 medium tomatoes, cut into chunks
- 1 medium eggplant, stem removed, cut into cubes
- 1 bell pepper, seeds removed, cut into strips
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried mint
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- Feta cheese
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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In a large mixing bowl combine the zucchini, potatoes, garlic, onion, tomatoes, eggplant, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, olive oil, mint and oregano. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly.
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In one large baking dish or two medium baking dishes spread the vegetables evenly. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the vegetables.
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Cover the baking dishes with foil and roast for 25 minutes.
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Remove the foil, stir the vegetables and bake another 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
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Remove and garnish with parsley and feta.
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Serve as a side dish or pair with rice or pasta.
Notes
- You can mix up whatever vegetables you want in this dish.
- When it comes to cutting everything up make sure you cut the similar vegetables into similar sizes. For example the potatoes should be cut into smaller cubes because they take longer to cook. The zucchini, eggplant and bell pepper can be cut into similar sizes. The tomatoes and onion I like to cut into larger chunks because they tend to cook faster.
- You can adjust the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to your liking. I like this dish to be more tomato based but you can do less if you don’t like as much tomato in your dish or more for a thicker sauce to cover the vegetables.
- Try tossing this dish with pasta for a nice vegetarian meal idea.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Embrace the Mediterranean Lifestyle with Briami
Briami is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that embodies the healthy and delicious principles of the Mediterranean diet. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats from the olive oil, this roasted vegetable medley is a fantastic way to nourish your body while delighting your taste buds. It’s naturally vegetarian (and easily made vegan by omitting the feta), making it an inclusive option for various dietary needs.
Preparing Briami is also an exercise in mindful cooking. The act of chopping fresh vegetables, mixing them with fragrant herbs, and watching them transform in the oven is incredibly satisfying. The aromas that fill your kitchen will transport you straight to the sun-drenched islands of Greece, even if just for an hour.
So, gather your freshest vegetables, a good bottle of olive oil, and prepare to create a truly memorable meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this Greek Roasted Vegetables (Briami) recipe is straightforward, delicious, and guaranteed to become a new favorite. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the healthful goodness of this timeless Greek staple!