Greek cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, and its vegetable-heavy dishes are no exception. Bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients, a good Greek veggie dish is both good for you and delicious.
Whether you’re looking for a light side or a satisfying main course, Greek cuisine offers a wide variety of options. This article explores how to make your own Greek seasoning, perfectly roast your vegetables, and prepare a few different versions of the classic Greek vegetable bake known as Briami.
Homemade Greek Seasoning: The Foundation of Flavor
Many Greek veggie dishes start with the same simple seasoning blend. Here’s how to make your own.
Why make your own Greek seasoning?
When you make your own seasoning blends, you’re in charge of the ingredients. You can control how much sodium goes in, and you can customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Ingredients for homemade Greek seasoning
Most Greek seasoning blends include dried oregano, basil, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, marjoram, thyme, and rosemary. For a sweeter, warmer blend, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
For a balanced flavor, use equal parts of each herb and spice.
How to use homemade Greek seasoning
Here are some ways to use your Greek seasoning:
- Rub it on chicken before baking or grilling
- Coat potatoes with oil and seasoning before roasting
- Mix it into a quick vinaigrette for salads
- Mix it with Greek yogurt as a marinade
- Sprinkle it on pita bread triangles before baking
Roasting Greek Vegetables: A Simple and Flavorful Method
Roasting vegetables is a really easy way to coax out their natural sweetness and create a deeply satisfying side dish. The key is to cut the vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly. Here are some combinations that work well together:
- Bell peppers and onions
- Carrots and green beans
- Cauliflower and Brussels sprouts
For best results, preheat your oven to a consistent temperature, like 425°F. The time it takes to roast the vegetables will depend on the type and size, so keep an eye on them. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and give them a toss halfway through for even browning.
Now, about that Greek seasoning… It’s incredibly versatile! But you could also use Italian spices, salt, pepper, and garlic to amp up the flavor. Play around and see what you like best!
Briami: An Authentic Greek Roasted Vegetable Dish
Briami is a classic Greek dish featuring a medley of roasted vegetables. It’s the kind of food you might find bubbling away in a taverna oven on a balmy summer evening.
The usual suspects in briami are potatoes, zucchini, eggplant, onion, tomato, and bell peppers, but the beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is.
Preparing Briami
The key to a good briami is plenty of good-quality olive oil, which helps the vegetables to soften and caramelize in the oven. Fresh herbs like mint and oregano add a fragrant, summery note.
To prepare, the vegetables are typically layered in a baking dish, drizzled generously with olive oil, seasoned with herbs and spices, and then baked until tender and slightly browned.
Variations and Tips for Briami
Don’t be afraid to play around with the vegetables. Feel free to leave out anything you don’t like or substitute what’s in season. Briami can be cooked in a pot on the stovetop or baked in the oven, depending on your preference.
Serve your briami warm or cold, with a hunk of crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful juices, and a crumbling of salty feta cheese on top.
Level Up Your Greek Veggies
Want to make your Greek-inspired veggie dishes even better? Here are a few simple tips:
- Marinate: Give your vegetables a flavor boost by marinating them overnight.
- Grill: Add a smoky depth by grilling your vegetables.
- Customize: Don’t be afraid to change cooking times to get your veggies just how you like them.
- Splurge: Use high-quality olive oil. It makes a big difference.
- Freshen Up: Toss in fresh herbs right before serving for brightness and aroma.
To Conclude
Greek veggie dishes are delicious, healthy, and satisfying. They’re also a fantastic way to eat more vegetables.
Don’t be afraid to play around with different combinations of vegetables, herbs, and spices to find your favorite flavors. Whether you serve them as a side, a main course, or as part of a larger meze spread, these dishes are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.