Provençal Vegetable Tian: Provence on a Plate

Tian de légumes provençal

Provençal vegetable tian. Just saying the words evokes sunshine, southern aromas, and the simple flavours of sunny days. In Provence, early June marks the return of sun-ripened vegetables. Tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines… They’re all here, ready to slip into a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Here’s a traditional recipe that’s easy to prepare – perfect for celebrating the arrival of summer.

Provençal Vegetable Tian: The Ingredients of the Sun

First, choose beautiful vegetables. They should be firm, colourful, and fragrant. Then, reach for a good olive oil. And finally, gather a few herbs from the garden.

For 4 people, you’ll need:

  • 2 courgettes

  • 2 ripe tomatoes

  • 1 aubergine

  • 1 red onion

  • 2 garlic cloves

  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil

  • Thyme, oregano, rosemary

  • Salt and pepper

Provençal Vegetable Tian: Simple Steps to Sunshine

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C. Meanwhile, wash all the vegetables. Then slice them into thin, even rounds. Finely chop the onion. Peel the garlic and cut it into thin slivers.

Next, take a baking dish. Arrange the vegetable slices upright, alternating them nicely: a slice of tomato, one of courgette, one of aubergine, a bit of onion… Continue until the dish is full.

Then, slip the garlic pieces between the vegetables. Add the herbs, a pinch of salt, and a grind of pepper. Finally, drizzle generously with olive oil. Cover the dish with baking paper or foil. Bake for 30 minutes.

After that time, remove the cover and bake for another 20 minutes. The vegetables should be soft and lightly golden.

Simple, Local, Joyful Cooking

This Provençal vegetable tian is the perfect dish for early summer evenings. It’s as lovely to look at as it is to eat. It smells of the garrigue. You can enjoy it hot, warm, or even cold. And best of all, it adapts to whatever you fancy.

For example, you could add a touch of goat’s cheese or a sprinkle of grated parmesan. Serve it with rice, or alongside a grilled fillet of fish. For a complete vegetarian version, add a soft-boiled egg or a handful of chickpeas.

Finally, serve this dish with a good Provence rosé. Light, fresh, fruity – it will enhance every bite.

Provençal vegetable tian is the South of France on a plate. A simple, joyful pleasure to share without moderation.