Vegetable Tian: a Provençal Side Dish Recipe
Let’s Eat the World · Provencal Recipes · Side Dish · TasteThis vegetable tian recipe from Provence is one that you want to make repeatedly. Made by roasting seasonal vegetables, a tian is a provencal favourite. The word tian refers to the cooking dish, typically an earthenware baking dish, and the cooking method. Our recipe below includes some of the same ingredients as ratatouille – tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and onion. A tian is a versatile side dish. You can make it in advance and serve at room temperature for a picnic or buffet. Or serve warm as an accompaniment to grilled meat (lamb, chicken, pork) or fish. Join us soon on a Let’s Eat the World culinary adventure.
Bon appétit!

Vegetable Tian Provençale
Make this versatile side dish in advance and serve it at room temperature for a picnic or buffet, or warm it as an accompaniment to your favourite grilled meat.
Equipment
- tian (earthenware baking dish from Provence) or a ceramic baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant (aubergine)
- 2 zucchini (courgette)
- 2 onions
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tomatoes
- 2 tbsp herbes de Provence
- salt and pepper to taste
- 10 leaves basil
- 4 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Peel and cut the onion into large slices, smash the garlic cloves, and cut all the vegetables into 1-centimetre-thick slices.
- Sauté the onion and the garlic with 1 tbsp of olive oil. When cooked, remove, and pour into a tian dish or uncoloured ceramic baking dish.
- Make a bed with the onions and alternate the vegetable slices until your baking dish is full (see picture).
- Spread the herbes de Provence and insert the basil leaves. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Cover with aluminum foil (or parchment paper) to keep the moisture inside and bake for 30 minutes at 180ºC (350ºF).
- Let cool down and rest 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Vegetable tian pairs perfectly with lamb, roasted chicken, or grilled fish.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
More Tian Dishes
Vegetable Flower Tian Provencal
This tian recipe makes one pie, perfect for a lunch dish with a green salad and some fresh baguette. Tian Provencal tastes like summer and is best enjoyed when warm, either with polenta or potato wedges. This tart version is nothing complicated just a little patience, you’ll end up with a flower design.
Check out this recipe
Ratatouille Tian Estival
This tian is easy to prepare. It can be served hot from the oven or at room temperature. This baked ratatouille casserole is a variation on the traditional Provencal recipe.
Check out this recipe
Eggplant and Lamb Tian
This one-pan baked dish is a delicious main course with slow-cooked flavours.
Check out this recipe
Legal
All rights reserved. Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission. For usage information, please contact us.
Syndication InformationAffiliate Information
As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases. Some recipes, posts and pages may have affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, we receive a small commission that does not impact your price. Thank you in advance for supporting our work to maintain Perfectly Provence.
Related Provence Articles
For Mushroom Lovers An Easy Sheet Pan Recipe
October 7, 2021
Cooler weather in Provence, a touch of humidity, and maybe even some rain bring with it the promise of wild mushrooms foraged from nearby forests. However, you need to know where to look and do not expect the locals to show you where to find edible fungi. The good news is regional markets, and small …
Vegetarian Holiday Menu Inspired by Provencal Flavours
December 22, 2016
Sometimes you just need to go green for the holidays. This tastes of Provence Vegetarian Holiday Menu will impress even the die-hard carnivores in the crowd. Martine at Goût et Voyage leads off with her tiny zucchini cakes (you can also make these with spinach) a savoury snack with cocktails. Master chef Gérald Passedat’s version …
Ratatouille: Classic Provencal Dish a Chef’s Recipe to Try
March 28, 2025
Ratatouille is one of the classic Provençal recipes that works well as a side dish with grilled meat or fish. The recipe below comes from our friends at My French Country Home. While there are probably many variations, the dish always includes fresh local vegetables. The dish is considered a summer recipe when the base …
Eggplant, Aubergine Melanzane a’Scarpone Recipe
February 11, 2022
While this recipe is not typically Provencal, aubergine (eggplant) and tomatoes are plentiful in the region, and we highly recommend trying this vegetarian dish. While we will always love a variety of meats, poultry, and seafood, we add more vegetarian options for our health! Melanzane a’Scarpone is one of our favourite Italian-inspired dishes. Continue reading here …
No Comment