This Provençal classic is a symphony of colorful vegetables harmoniously arranged and gratinéed with melting cheese. Light, flavorful, and comforting, Provençal tian embodies Mediterranean essence in a single rustic yet elegant presentation.
⏱️80 min
📊Easy
👥6 servings
🍽️Main
vegetarianbudget-friendlyfamilylight
Ingredients
4 pièceszucchini
4 piècestomatoes
2 pièceseggplants
2 piècesyellow onions
8 cuillères à soupeolive oil
150 grammesgrated Gruyère cheese
100 grammesgrated Parmesan
3 goussesgarlic
2 cuillères à caféHerbes de Provence
1 cuillère à caféfine sea salt
0.5 cuillère à caféfreshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1PREPARE THE OVEN AND BAKING DISH: Preheat your oven to 200°C (thermostat 6-7) for 10 minutes. Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a 25x35 cm rectangular baking dish and spread it evenly on the bottom to prevent the vegetables from sticking. A well-oiled dish will guarantee a crispy and flavorful tian.
2SLICE THE VEGETABLES WITH PRECISION: Wash the zucchini, eggplants, and tomatoes thoroughly. Cut them into regular 5 mm thick slices using a sharp knife or mandoline for a homogeneous result. Peel the onions and slice them finely. The uniformity of thickness is crucial for even cooking of all vegetables.
3PREPARE THE AROMATIC BASE: Mince the garlic cloves finely and set aside. In a small bowl, mix the Herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper. In the prepared dish, create a base layer by arranging the onion slices, then sprinkle them with minced garlic and a bit of the herb mixture. This first layer will create a rich and aromatic flavor foundation.
4ARRANGE THE VEGETABLES IN ALTERNATING ROWS: Begin arranging slices of tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplants in alternation and in regular rows, slightly overlapping to create a tile-like visual effect. Sprinkle each row with a bit of garlic, Herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper. Drizzle as you go with 4 tablespoons of olive oil distributed evenly so that each vegetable receives an equal share. This alternating presentation is the signature of authentic Provençal tian.
5ADD CHEESE AND FINALIZE: Sprinkle the mixture of grated Gruyère and Parmesan generously over the entire surface of the tian. Pour the last 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a thin stream over the cheese to promote golden and crispy browning. The cheese must be well distributed to offer savory golden bits in every bite.
6BAKE THROUGH: Place the tian in the preheated 200°C oven for 45 to 50 minutes, until the vegetables are tender, translucent, and the cheese is golden and slightly crispy at the edges. Check doneness by inserting a knife into the vegetables which should penetrate easily without resistance. If the top browns too much, cover with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
7REST AND SERVE: Let the tian rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing from the oven so that the vegetables stabilize and flavors fully meld together. Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into squares or rectangles. Provençal tian is delicious accompanied by crisp green salad or toasted rustic bread, and is best enjoyed with a glass of Provençal rosé.