Briam: A Greek Oven-Baked Vegetable Medley

Briam showcases the best of the Mediterranean. It’s a testament to the region’s focus on flavor and nutrition. This Greek delicacy is both cherished and delightful. It’s similar to the Middle Eastern ‘khaddar.’ The dish is a tapestry of baked vegetables in a rich, aromatic sauce. It’s a true feast for the senses.

Vegetables are central to the Mediterranean diet. They form the vibrant core of this celebrated culinary tradition. The diet is famous for its health benefits and delightful flavors. It mainly features fresh, seasonal vegetables. These provide essential nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. These elements support overall health and well-being. Briam is a prime example of this cuisine’s reverence for wholesome ingredients. It invites you to savor food that is nutritious and delicious.

The Richness of Briam:

Much like the ‘khodar’ or ‘khudrawat’ vegetable dishes in Arabic that my mom traditionally prepared, especially during Lent, Briam stands out as a solo performer, presenting itself as a complete meal. Like these cherished familial dishes, Briam unfolds as a colorful canvas, predominantly featuring staple ingredients like eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, and tomatoes. However, it’s also versatile enough to graciously accommodate your preferred selection of vegetables, allowing for a delightful customization that caters to your unique taste preferences.

Briam Vegetable Stew: Ingredients

Vegetables:

1. Japanese Eggplants or Regular Eggplant (Sliced in Circles):  Mild and slightly sweet, the eggplants contribute a tender texture to the stew.
2. Large Potatoes: Hearty and starchy, the potatoes add substance and a creamy texture to the stew.
3. Roma Tomatoes (Ripe):  Sweet and tangy, ripe tomatoes bring a burst of freshness to balance the richness of the stew.
4. Large Onion (Cut into Strips): The savory and slightly sweet onions create a robust base for the stew.
5. Banana Peppers (or Any Mild Pepper): Mild heat with a subtle sweetness, banana peppers contribute a gentle kick to the stew.
6. Garlic Cloves (Minced): Pungent, aromatic, minced garlic adds depth and complexity to the overall taste.
7. Olive Oil: The fruity richness of olive oil enhances the stew’s overall depth and mouthfeel.
8. Salt and Pepper to Taste: Balances and elevates the flavors of the vegetables, ensuring a well-seasoned stew.

Stock:

1. Water Base: Provides the liquid foundation for the stew.
2. Sweet Pepper Paste: Sweet and mildly spicy, pepper paste enriches the stew with depth and complexity.
3. Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato essence, adding a rich umami note to the stew.
4. Curry and Turmeric: Earthy and warm, curry and turmeric bring a vibrant color and distinctive flavor to the stew.
5. Cardamom: Warm and aromatic, cardamom introduces a hint of sweetness and spice.
6. Salt and Pepper to Flavor: Seasoning the stock ensures a well-balanced and savory base for the vegetable stew.

The Signature Sauce:

The soul of Briam lies in its sauce, a delightful melody of flavors that brings the dish to life. At its base, the sauce resonates with the robust tones of red pepper and tomato paste, reminiscent of ‘khaddar.’ However, the Briam sauce takes it up a notch with additional cumin, turmeric, and Aleppo pepper notes, each adding its unique charm to the mixture. The inclusion of garlic cannot be overstated, contributing an earthy depth that perfectly rounds off the symphony of flavors.

This flavorful and aromatic sauce enhances the taste of the vegetables and makes Briam a perfect companion to various sides. The sauce’s richness and depth are ideal for serving over a bed of rice vermicelli,  Lemon Greek yellow rice, or Yemeni rice, allowing these grains to absorb and reflect the sauce’s magnificent flavors. For those who prefer a simpler or more traditional option, serving Briam with plain, warm pita bread also makes for a delightful and comforting meal,

Tips for Perfecting Briam

• Size Matters: The size of the vegetable pieces is crucial. Medium-sized chunks are ideal. The vegetables might lose their integrity during baking if they’re too small. If it is too large, extended cooking time may be needed. Aim for tender, flavorful pieces that maintain their shape.
• Salting and Seasoning: To enhance flavors and facilitate cooking, start by individually salting and seasoning each vegetable type before combining them. Start lightly dressing each vegetable with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. This careful approach softens the vegetables and expedites their cooking time, guaranteeing each piece is perfectly cooked and seasoned just right. This practice brings out the unique taste of each vegetable, contributing to the dish’s complex flavor profile.
• Quality of Ingredients: Using high-quality, fresh ingredients is essential. Since Briam is a simple dish, the vegetables and olive oil flavors stand out prominently. Choose ripe, in-season vegetables and a good quality olive oil for the best results.

Leftover Ideas

• Briam Soup: Transform your leftover Briam into a comforting soup! Blend the veggies with some vegetable or chicken broth until smooth, then warm it up. Adjust the seasoning, and serve with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• Briam and Egg Scramble: Chop the leftover Briam into smaller pieces for a quick and hearty breakfast. Then, scramble it with some whisked eggs. Cook until the eggs are set and you have a vegetable-packed start to your day.
• Briam Frittata: Another breakfast option is to mix the chopped leftovers with beaten eggs and bake until set for a tasty and nutritious frittata.

With these options, you’ll minimize waste and enjoy your delicious Briam in various ways! Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ideas to repurpose your leftovers.