Briam is a roasted mixed vegetable casserole dish that consists of vegetables that are layered. As this dish can be prepared with vegetables available at a given point in time, it is considered an all season dish. The main ingredient of the traditional Greek recipe is eggplant, though zucchini is also a regular inclusion. This dish is served as a main course dish as well as a side dish, depending on the accompanying dishes. Tomato sauce forms the base for this delicious vegetable casserole.
Origin of Briam Recipe
Briam originates from the Mediterranean country of Greece. It is a summertime dish that is not only easy to prepare but thoroughly enjoyed by everyone either as a whole meal or as a side dish. This dish is served hot or if preferred at room temperature.
Preparation of Briam Dish
This dish can be prepared all through the year with seasonally available vegetables and amongst them all, eggplant is the main ingredient. All the vegetables such as eggplant, potatoes, diced onions, tomatoes and zucchini among others are cooked in tomato sauce base. First, the potatoes are diced and boiled. Meanwhile, sliced onions are sautéed in olive oil and on turning translucent, garlic is added and sautéed about a minute and then, white wine is added and simmered for a while. The recipe includes spices such as dill, parsley, dried basil and dried mint, which are added along with the tomato sauce into the pan. This completes the sauce preparation.
Diced potatoes, tomato slices, zucchini and eggplant (if included) are layered alternatively, while every layer is seasoned with salt and pepper. The spiced tomato sauce is then poured onto the vegetables and garnished with shredded feta cheese, which is sprinkled on top and this dish is baked. The Briam is served hot or cooled to room temperature.
Popular Dishes Similar to Briam Recipe
This dish has similarity to other baked dishes made with vegetables as well as with pasta and vegetables.
Politiko Briam – This is similar to the original Briam with the only difference being the use of Bechamel sauce instead of tomato sauce. The reason this dish has the name it does is because of its origin in Greece, where people call Constantinopolis as Poli and the dishes prepared by the Greeks here are known as Politiko dishes.