Vegetable Tian Recipe – Easy French Roasted Vegetable Bake with Mediterranean Flavors

 

Best Vegetable Tian recipes with fresh zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and onions baked in olive oil, garlic, and herbs. This healthy French vegetable casserole is vegetarian, colorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for family dinners or holiday side dishes.

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Vegetable Tian Recipe

The Ultimate French Vegetable Bake Everyone Will Love

If you’re searching for a healthy, colorful, and delicious vegetable recipe that looks impressive without requiring advanced cooking skills, this Vegetable Tian Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Originating from the sunny countryside of southern France, Vegetable Tian is a beautiful baked vegetable casserole featuring layers of fresh seasonal vegetables slowly roasted with fragrant herbs, garlic, rich tomato paste, and extra virgin olive oil. Every bite delivers soft, caramelized vegetables infused with Mediterranean flavors. Unlike ordinary roasted vegetables, this classic French dish creates a wonderful presentation. Thin slices of zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and onions are arranged neatly inside a baking dish before being roasted until tender and lightly golden around the edges. The result is a meal that’s naturally vegetarian, packed with nutrients, and elegant enough for dinner parties while still being simple enough for weeknight meals. Whether served as a healthy main course or a flavorful side dish, Vegetable Tian is one recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.

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What Is Vegetable Tian?

Vegetable Tian is a traditional baked vegetable dish from the Provence region of southern France. The name “Tian” actually refers to the shallow earthenware baking dish traditionally used to prepare this recipe rather than the food itself. Over time, both the dish and the recipe became known by the same name. Fresh vegetables are sliced into thin rounds, seasoned generously with herbs and olive oil, then baked slowly until perfectly tender. Unlike vegetable casseroles that contain cheese or heavy cream, Vegetable Tian celebrates the natural sweetness and freshness of vegetables. Its simplicity allows every ingredient to shine.

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Why This Vegetable Tian Recipe Is So Popular

There are many reasons home cooks around the world love making this French vegetable bake.

Beautiful Presentation

Neatly layered vegetables create an eye-catching dish that’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or dinner parties.

Healthy Ingredients

Made entirely with fresh vegetables, herbs, and heart-healthy olive oil, this recipe is naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Budget-Friendly

All ingredients are inexpensive and available at nearly every grocery store or local market.

Easy to Customize

Add mushrooms, bell peppers, potatoes, squash, feta cheese, mozzarella, or olives to create your own variation.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Vegetable Tian tastes even better the next day, making it excellent for weekly meal planning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another vegetable casserole. It’s:

• Naturally vegetarian
• Easily made vegan
• Gluten-free
• Full of Mediterranean flavor
• Rich in antioxidants
• Family-friendly
• Perfect for entertaining
• Low in saturated fat
• Easy to prepare
• Restaurant-quality appearance

Even people who don’t usually enjoy vegetables are often surprised by how flavorful this dish becomes after roasting.

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Recipe Information

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Ingredients

Vegetables

• 1 medium eggplant
• 2 large zucchini
• 3 ripe tomatoes
• 2 medium red onions

Flavor Base

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Herbs & Seasonings

• 2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh basil
• Fresh thyme
• Chopped parsley
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Kalamata olives

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Understanding the Main Ingredients

Eggplant

Eggplant develops a rich, creamy texture after roasting. Its mild flavor absorbs olive oil, herbs, and garlic beautifully, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Choose a firm eggplant with smooth, shiny skin and no soft spots.

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Zucchini

Fresh zucchini becomes tender while maintaining enough texture to hold its shape. Its naturally sweet flavor balances the acidity of tomatoes perfectly. Medium-sized zucchini usually work best because they contain fewer seeds.

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Tomatoes

Ripe tomatoes provide natural sweetness and moisture. During baking, they slowly release their juices, creating a delicious sauce at the bottom of the dish. Roma tomatoes or vine-ripened tomatoes are both excellent choices.

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Red Onion

Red onions become sweet and slightly caramelized after roasting. Their mild flavor blends wonderfully with Mediterranean herbs while adding beautiful color to the finished dish.

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Garlic

Fresh garlic gives this recipe its signature aroma. Instead of using garlic paste, finely chopping fresh cloves distributes the flavor more evenly throughout the vegetables.

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Tomato Paste

A thin layer of tomato paste spread across the bottom of the baking dish creates an incredibly flavorful sauce as the vegetables roast. The juices released during cooking naturally blend with the tomato paste, garlic, herbs, and olive oil.

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Since this recipe uses only a few ingredients, choosing a high-quality olive oil makes a noticeable difference. A fruity extra virgin olive oil enhances every vegetable while helping them roast beautifully instead of drying out.

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Herbes de Provence

This classic French herb blend usually includes:

• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Oregano
• Marjoram
• Savory

These herbs give Vegetable Tian its unmistakable Provençal character and aromatic Mediterranean flavor.

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Health Benefits of Vegetable Tian

Besides tasting amazing, Vegetable Tian is packed with essential nutrients. Some of its health benefits include:

• Rich source of dietary fiber
• Naturally cholesterol-free
• Excellent source of vitamins A and C
• High in antioxidants
• Supports heart health
• Low in calories
• Helps improve digestion
• Rich in potassium
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil
• Naturally gluten-free

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Vegetable Tian is easier than it looks. The secret is taking your time to prepare the vegetables evenly and allowing them to roast slowly until tender and lightly caramelized.

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Step 1: Wash and Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by washing all the vegetables thoroughly under cool running water. Trim the ends from the zucchini and eggplant. Peel the onions and remove the tomato stems. Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, cut each vegetable into slices about ¼ inch (5–6 mm) thick. Keeping the slices close to the same thickness helps everything cook evenly. You should have:

• Eggplant slices
• Zucchini slices
• Tomato slices
• Onion rings

If your eggplant is very large, slice it in half lengthwise before cutting it into half-moons. This helps the pieces fit neatly in the baking dish.

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Step 2: Remove Excess Moisture

Place the zucchini and eggplant slices in a large bowl. Sprinkle them lightly with sea salt and toss gently to coat. Transfer them to a colander set over a bowl or sink. Allow them to rest for 30 minutes. During this time, the vegetables will release excess moisture, helping them roast instead of steam. After resting, there’s no need to rinse them. Simply blot away any visible moisture with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel if desired.

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Step 3: Prepare the Flavorful Base

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or 180°C fan-forced. Lightly grease a rectangular ceramic or glass baking dish. In a small bowl, combine:

• Tomato paste
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• Half of the chopped garlic

Mix until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. As the vegetables roast, this layer transforms into a rich Mediterranean-style sauce full of concentrated tomato flavor.

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Step 4: Arrange the Vegetables

Now comes the fun part. Stand the vegetable slices upright in rows, alternating them in this order:

• Eggplant
• Zucchini
• Onion
• Tomato

Repeat until the dish is completely filled. Pack the vegetables closely together. As they roast, they shrink slightly, so a snug arrangement helps them stay upright and creates the classic Vegetable Tian appearance. Don’t worry if every slice isn’t exactly the same size. A rustic presentation is part of the charm.

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Step 5: Season Everything

Drizzle the remaining olive oil evenly over the vegetables. Sprinkle with:

• Remaining garlic
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Herbes de Provence

For extra flavor, gently brush the tops of the vegetables with the olive oil using a pastry brush. This helps create beautiful golden edges during baking.

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Step 6: Bake

Place the baking dish in the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 40–45 minutes. The vegetables should become:

• Tender
• Lightly browned
• Slightly caramelized
• Soft but still holding their shape

If you’d like darker roasted edges, bake for an additional 5–10 minutes while keeping an eye on the vegetables. Avoid overcooking, as the vegetables can become mushy.

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Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Allow the Vegetable Tian to rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting time allows the flavorful juices to settle, making it easier to serve neat portions. Spoon some of the rich tomato and olive oil sauce from the bottom of the baking dish over each serving. Finish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for extra freshness.

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Pro Tips for the Best Vegetable Tian

Small details make a big difference.

Choose Similar-Sized Vegetables

Vegetables with similar diameters create a more attractive presentation and cook more evenly.

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Use Fresh Herbs When Possible

Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil can add extra aroma just before serving.

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Don’t Skip the Olive Oil

Olive oil helps the vegetables roast properly while adding authentic Mediterranean flavor.

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Pack the Vegetables Tightly

Loose vegetables tend to fall over during baking. Keeping them close together creates the classic layered appearance.

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Use a Ceramic Baking Dish

Ceramic dishes distribute heat more evenly than metal pans, reducing the risk of burning while encouraging gentle caramelization.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go wrong if a few important steps are skipped.

Skipping the Salting Step

Eggplant and zucchini naturally contain a lot of water. Removing some of that moisture helps create richer flavor and better texture.

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Slicing Unevenly

Thick slices remain undercooked while thin slices may burn. Aim for consistent thickness throughout.

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Using Too Much Oil

Olive oil enhances flavor, but excessive amounts can leave the vegetables greasy. A light drizzle is enough.

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Overcrowding the Dish

If vegetables are packed too tightly without enough airflow, they may steam rather than roast. Arrange them closely while still allowing slight gaps for heat circulation.

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Overbaking

Vegetables should remain tender but still recognizable. Avoid cooking until they completely collapse.

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Delicious Recipe Variations

Vegetable Tian is incredibly versatile. Here are some creative ways to customize it.

Mediterranean Version

Add:

• Kalamata olives
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh oregano

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Italian Style

Layer with:

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan
• Fresh basil

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Vegan Version

Simply prepare the recipe as written without cheese. The vegetables provide plenty of natural flavor.

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Protein-Packed Version

Serve alongside:

• Grilled chicken
• Baked salmon
• Turkey breast
• Grilled tofu

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Rustic Farmhouse Style

Include additional vegetables such as:

• Yellow squash
• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Sweet potatoes

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Best Herbs for Vegetable Tian

Although Herbes de Provence is traditional, you can experiment with different herb combinations. Excellent choices include:

• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Basil
• Oregano
• Marjoram
• Parsley
• Tarragon

Combining dried herbs during baking with fresh herbs just before serving creates the best flavor.

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Make It Ahead

Vegetable Tian is one of those dishes that often tastes even better the next day. Prepare it several hours in advance or even the day before serving. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making leftovers especially delicious.

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Mandoline slicer (optional)
• Mixing bowl
• Colander
• Small bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Ceramic or glass baking dish
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Aluminum foil (if needed)

What to Serve with Vegetable Tian

One of the best things about Vegetable Tian is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, making it suitable for everyday dinners, family gatherings, or festive occasions.

As a Main Course

Serve Vegetable Tian with:

• Warm crusty artisan bread
• Garlic bread
• Buttered baguette
• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Couscous
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttered pasta

A slice of fresh bread is perfect for soaking up the rich tomato and herb sauce that forms at the bottom of the baking dish.

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Perfect Side Dishes

Vegetable Tian complements many proteins and Mediterranean-inspired meals. Serve it alongside:

• Grilled chicken breast
• Roast chicken
• Baked salmon
• Pan-seared cod
• Grilled shrimp
• Roast turkey
• Pork tenderloin
• Beef steak
• Lamb chops

It also pairs wonderfully with vegetarian favorites such as lentil patties, grilled tofu, or chickpea cutlets.

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Delicious Garnishing Ideas

A few simple toppings can elevate the flavor and presentation of your Vegetable Tian. Try adding:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Chopped parsley
• Fresh thyme
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella pearls
• Kalamata olives
• Toasted pine nuts
• Cracked black pepper
• A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

For a dairy-free option, stick with fresh herbs and a light drizzle of olive oil.

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How to Store Leftovers

Vegetable Tian stores very well, making it an excellent meal-prep recipe.

Refrigerator

Allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors become even richer after resting overnight.

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Can You Freeze It?

Yes. Although the vegetables become slightly softer after thawing, the flavor remains excellent. To freeze:

• Cool completely.
• Divide into individual portions.
• Place in freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

For the best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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How to Reheat

Oven (Recommended)

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and heat for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.

Microwave

Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1–2 minutes, checking halfway through.

Air Fryer

Reheat at 320°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore lightly roasted edges.

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Nutrition Information

Approximate values per serving Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Vegetable Tian watery?

This usually happens when the zucchini and eggplant are not salted before baking. Removing excess moisture helps the vegetables roast instead of steam.

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Can I prepare Vegetable Tian in advance?

Yes. You can assemble the entire dish several hours ahead or refrigerate it overnight before baking.

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Can I add cheese?

Absolutely. Parmesan, mozzarella, goat cheese, or feta all work beautifully. Sprinkle the cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

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Is Vegetable Tian vegan?

Yes. The classic recipe contains only vegetables, herbs, garlic, olive oil, and tomato paste. Just avoid adding cheese if you want to keep it vegan.

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Which vegetables work best?

Traditional choices include:

• Eggplant
• Zucchini
• Tomatoes
• Red onions

You can also add:

• Yellow squash
• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Sweet potatoes

Vegetable Tian Recipe (Original Version)

A Beautiful French Vegetable Bake

This colorful Vegetable Tian is a classic French-inspired baked dish featuring layers of fresh summer vegetables roasted with garlic, olive oil, tomato paste, and aromatic herbs. The vegetables become perfectly tender with lightly caramelized edges while a rich tomato and garlic sauce develops underneath during baking. Whether you’re looking for a healthy vegetarian dinner or an elegant side dish, this Mediterranean favorite is an excellent choice. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, seafood, or fresh crusty bread. It can be served straight from the oven or enjoyed at room temperature, making it ideal for family meals, potlucks, and meal prep.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 medium eggplant, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
• 3 medium zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
• 3 medium red onions, thinly sliced into rings
• 5 ripe tomatoes, sliced evenly
• 2 teaspoons sea salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1½ teaspoons Herbes de Provence

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or 180°C if using a fan-assisted oven.

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Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Place the sliced eggplant and zucchini into a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and toss gently to coat. Transfer them into a colander positioned over a bowl or sink. Let them rest for about 10–15 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture and improves the texture after baking. Meanwhile, slice the tomatoes and onions.

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Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

In a ceramic or glass baking dish measuring approximately 12 × 8 inches (30 × 20 cm), combine:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Tomato paste
• Half of the chopped garlic

Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish. As the vegetables bake, their natural juices blend with this layer to create a rich Mediterranean-style sauce.

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Step 4: Season Again

Shake the colander gently to remove any remaining liquid from the eggplant and zucchini. Return the vegetables to a bowl and sprinkle with another ½ teaspoon of salt. Toss lightly to distribute the seasoning evenly.

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Step 5: Arrange the Vegetables

Stand the vegetable slices upright inside the baking dish, alternating in this order:

• Eggplant
• Zucchini
• Red onion
• Tomato

Continue repeating the pattern until the dish is completely filled. Arrange the vegetables snugly together because they naturally shrink as they roast. If you have extra slices, simply tuck them into any open spaces.

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Step 6: Add the Final Seasoning

Drizzle the remaining olive oil evenly across the vegetables. Sprinkle over:

• Remaining chopped garlic
• Remaining salt
• Black pepper
• Herbes de Provence

This final seasoning creates the signature aroma and flavor of this traditional French recipe.

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Step 7: Bake

Place the baking dish in the center of the oven. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender and the tops are lightly browned. The vegetables should remain soft while still holding their shape.

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Step 8: Serve

Allow the Vegetable Tian to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Spoon some of the flavorful tomato and garlic juices from the bottom of the dish over each serving. Serve warm with crusty bread or enjoy at room temperature for a refreshing Mediterranean-style meal.

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Homemade Herbes de Provence Blend

If you don’t have a ready-made seasoning blend, you can easily prepare your own using dried herbs. Combine:

• ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
• ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano

Mix well and use immediately or store in an airtight container for future recipes.

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Helpful Tips

• Salting the eggplant and zucchini before baking helps remove excess moisture and improves roasting.
• Slice all vegetables to a similar thickness for even cooking.
• Arrange the vegetables tightly to keep them standing upright during baking.
• Use ripe tomatoes for a naturally sweet and flavorful sauce.
• High-quality extra virgin olive oil adds authentic Mediterranean flavor.

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Storage

Store leftover Vegetable Tian in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish also tastes delicious served cold or at room temperature, making it a great option for lunches or picnics. Freezing is not recommended, as the vegetables may lose their texture after thawing.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	208 kcal
Carbohydrates	19 g
Protein	4 g
Total Fat	15 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	2 g
Monounsaturated Fat	10 g
Sodium	835 mg
Potassium	820 mg
Dietary Fiber	6 g
Total Sugar	11 g
Vitamin A	23% Daily Value
Vitamin C	47% Daily Value
Calcium	6% Daily Value
Iron	11% Daily Value

Because it relies on fresh vegetables rather than processed ingredients, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy wholesome home-cooked meals.