Briam is a traditional Greek dish made with a medley of roasted vegetables, olive oil, herbs, and tomatoes. Bursting with flavor and deeply rooted in Mediterranean cuisine, this simple yet satisfying meal showcases the Greek approach to fresh, seasonal cooking. It’s a perfect example of how a few humble ingredients can be transformed into something nourishing and utterly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Briam is a celebration of vegetables at their best. You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity, bold Mediterranean flavors, and versatility. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and budget-friendly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The slow roasting allows the veggies to caramelize and soak up the rich tomato and olive oil base, resulting in a dish that’s as comforting as it is healthy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
zucchini, sliced into 1 cm discs
potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1 cm half-moons
red onion, sliced thinly
olive oil, extra virgin
garlic, crushed
tomatoes, grated or chopped
parsley, finely chopped
salt
black pepper
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Prepare your vegetables: slice the zucchini and potatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
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Place all vegetables into a 30 cm (12-inch) baking tray.
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Add olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine.
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Spread the vegetables in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
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Bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove from the oven, stir again, and check moisture. If the dish appears dry, add a small amount of water (start with half a cup). Return to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes.
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Let the briam cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
You can easily customize Briam with other vegetables or herbs based on what you have available. Here are a few suggestions:
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Add bell peppers, eggplants, carrots, or sliced cherry tomatoes for extra color and texture.
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Incorporate fresh herbs like dill, mint, or oregano to enhance the aroma.
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Adjust the amount of olive oil slightly if you’re adding more vegetables to maintain the right consistency.
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For a heartier version, top with crumbled feta cheese or serve alongside crusty bread.
Storage/Reheating
Briam stores beautifully, making it great for leftovers:
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or olive oil if needed to loosen up the texture.
FAQs
What is Briam made of?
Briam is made with a mix of vegetables such as zucchini, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, all roasted in olive oil.
Is Briam vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and uses only plant-based ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables to Briam?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, eggplants, carrots, and cherry tomatoes all work wonderfully in this dish.
How do I prevent the vegetables from getting soggy?
Ensure they are arranged in a single layer in the baking tray and not overcrowded. This allows them to roast rather than steam.
What should I serve with Briam?
Briam pairs well with crusty bread, feta cheese, rice, or grilled meats for a more complete meal.
Can I make Briam ahead of time?
Yes, Briam is perfect for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for several days.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is preferred for texture in this recipe, but if you like the skin, you can leave it on.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, you can use 200 grams of chopped canned tomatoes instead of fresh grated tomatoes.
How can I make Briam more filling?
Add chickpeas or serve it with rice, couscous, or quinoa for added protein and bulk.
Is Briam a main dish or a side dish?
Briam can be served as either a main or a side dish depending on the occasion and what else you’re serving.
Conclusion
Briam is a flavorful, rustic dish that celebrates the simplicity and goodness of Mediterranean vegetables. With minimal effort and ingredients, it delivers big on taste and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meatless meal or a vibrant side, this Greek roasted vegetable dish is sure to become a regular part of your rotation.
PrintBriam – Greek Roasted Vegetables
Briam is a traditional Greek roasted vegetable dish bursting with Mediterranean flavor. This vegan Greek recipe combines zucchini, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes with olive oil and herbs for a healthy, simple, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
2 zucchini, sliced into 1 cm discs
3 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1 cm half-moons
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, crushed
3 ripe tomatoes, grated or chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Slice the zucchini and potatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
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Place all vegetables into a 30 cm (12-inch) baking tray.
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Add the olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
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Spread the vegetables in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
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Bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove from the oven, stir, and check for moisture. If dry, add half a cup of water.
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Return to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes.
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Let the briam cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add bell peppers, eggplant, carrots, or cherry tomatoes for variety.
- Enhance flavor with fresh herbs like dill, mint, or oregano.
- Adjust olive oil if adding more vegetables.
- Top with feta cheese or serve with crusty bread for a heartier meal.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of water or olive oil.