Briami

Briami Recipe: A Mouth-Watering Vegetarian Dish from Cyprus

Region / culture: Cyprus | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Briami, a traditional Greek vegetable medley, is a celebration of simplicity and the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. This hearty dish is a testament to the Greek philosophy of making the most out of seasonal produce. Featuring a colorful array of vegetables, each bite of Briami offers a taste of summer, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or a nutritious family dinner.

History

The origins of Briami can be traced back to the ancient Greek kitchens, where the abundance of the land was showcased in simple yet flavorful dishes. Over the centuries, it has remained a staple in Greek cuisine, with each region adding its own twist to the recipe. This dish embodies the Mediterranean diet's principles, focusing on vegetables, healthy fats, and herbs.

Ingredients

6 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
3 medium-sized sweet potatoes, sliced about 1.5 cm thick
4 medium spanish onions, sliced about 1.5 cm thick
2 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise then cut into 3 cm lengths
1 eggplant (aubergine), sliced about 1.5 cm thick
0.33 cup chopped fresh continental parsley
1.5 tbsp chopped fresh fennel
2 – 3 bay leaves
3 – 5 cloves garlic, whole and cracked
salt and pepper
olive oil

How to prepare

Grease a baking dish, then layer each of the vegetables, alternating colors.
Sprinkle the top layer with fennel (or dill), bay leaves, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
Drizzle with oil.
Preheat the oven to moderate (approximately 180°C).
Bake the vegetables until tender, for approximately 35 – 40 minutes.

Variations

While the traditional Briami recipe is vegetarian, you can easily add slices of sausage or chunks of feta cheese for extra flavor and protein. You can also experiment with different vegetables based on seasonality and personal preference.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Briami is as flavorful as possible, consider the following tips:

- Use the freshest vegetables you can find, as this will significantly impact the taste.

- Slice the vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.

- Don't skimp on the olive oil; it adds richness and helps the vegetables roast perfectly.

- Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme to find your preferred flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Briami can be served as a main dish or a side. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish or chicken for a protein-rich meal. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside quinoa or a slice of crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting is the preferred cooking technique for Briami, as it enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables. For a charred flavor, consider finishing the dish under the broiler for a few minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sweet potatoes, butternut squash makes an excellent substitute. Similarly, if you're not a fan of aubergine, you can use mushrooms for a similar texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Briami is a great make-ahead dish. Simply prepare and roast the vegetables ahead of time, then reheat in the oven when ready to serve. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Briami in a large, colorful dish to showcase the variety of vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

A crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Greek Assyrtiko, pairs beautifully with the flavors of Briami. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Briami in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the vegetables soggy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Briami is relatively low in calories, typically ranging between 150-200 calories. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to enjoy a filling, nutritious meal without overindulging in calories.

Carbohydrates

Briami is a low-carb dish, with the majority of its carbohydrates coming from the sweet potatoes and tomatoes. A serving typically contains about 20-30 grams of carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for those monitoring their carb intake.

Fats

The primary source of fat in Briami comes from olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats. These are known to be heart-healthy and beneficial for cholesterol levels. A serving of Briami contains approximately 10-15 grams of fat, depending on the amount of olive oil used.

Proteins

While Briami is primarily a vegetable dish, it does offer a modest amount of protein from the vegetables themselves. A serving typically contains about 4-6 grams of protein. For a higher protein meal, consider adding a side of Greek yogurt or feta cheese.

Vitamins and minerals

Briami is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from tomatoes, potassium from sweet potatoes, and a range of antioxidants from the colorful vegetables. It's an excellent way to boost your daily intake of essential nutrients.

Alergens

Briami is naturally free from most common allergens, including gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy. However, those with specific vegetable allergies should adjust the recipe accordingly.

Summary

Overall, Briami is a nutrient-dense dish that is low in calories and carbohydrates but high in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It's an excellent addition to a balanced diet, suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.

Summary

Briami is a versatile, nutritious, and delicious dish that celebrates the best of Mediterranean cuisine. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it's a perfect way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Whether you're serving it as a main dish or a side, Briami is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most mouth-watering aroma that filled the room.

Maria was busy chopping up an assortment of colorful vegetables – zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. The vibrant colors and fragrant smells immediately caught my attention. I couldn't help but ask her what she was making.

She smiled and said, "I'm making Briami, a traditional Greek vegetable medley dish. It's one of my favorite recipes, passed down to me from my grandmother."

I watched in awe as Maria expertly sautéed the vegetables in olive oil, layering them in a baking dish with fresh herbs like oregano and parsley. She then topped it all off with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

As the Briami baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with even more tantalizing aromas. When Maria finally pulled the dish out of the oven, it was a sight to behold – a colorful and fragrant medley of vegetables, perfectly cooked and seasoned to perfection.

I eagerly dug into my first bite of Briami and was instantly transported to a culinary paradise. The flavors were so rich and robust, with each vegetable adding its own unique touch to the dish. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds with every bite.

I begged Maria for the recipe, wanting to replicate this masterpiece in my own kitchen. She graciously shared it with me, along with some tips and tricks that she had learned from her grandmother.

I couldn't wait to try making Briami at home. I gathered all the ingredients – fresh vegetables, herbs, olive oil, and seasonings – and set to work in my own kitchen. As I chopped and sautéed, I could almost hear Maria's voice guiding me through the process.

When the Briami finally emerged from the oven, it looked and smelled just like Maria's. I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the moment. It was like a taste of Greece on my plate – a burst of flavors that transported me back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen.

From that day on, Briami became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and additions to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to it. I have experimented with different vegetables, herbs, and seasonings, always striving to perfect the dish.

But no matter how many variations I try, the essence of Briami remains the same – a celebration of fresh, vibrant vegetables cooked to perfection and seasoned with love. It's a dish that never fails to bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.

And every time I make Briami, I think of Maria and her grandmother, grateful for their inspiration and guidance. I am forever grateful for the gift of this delicious recipe, passed down through generations and now a cherished part of my own culinary legacy.