Modern Briam with Quinoa

Briam is a Greek-style tray of olive oil-roasted vegetables, usually centred on potatoes, courgettes, aubergine and ripe tomatoes cooked until soft, sweet and edged with colour. In this version, the familiar garlicky oregano-scented vegetables are served over quinoa, turning the dish into a fuller dinner while keeping its vegetable-led character. The tomato juices, olive oil and garlic collect in the tray and dress the grains naturally, while lemon added at the end brings freshness to the rich roasted flavours.
Cuisine style Greek-inspired vegetable cooking
Flavor profile Herby • Savoury • Lemon-bright
Techniques Roasting • Boiling • Steaming grains
Cooking style Meal prep friendly • Make-ahead friendly
Time commitment Make-ahead friendly
Key equipment Oven • Baking tray • Large pot

Why this recipe works

  • Deep roasted flavour: The vegetables roast together with olive oil, garlic and oregano, so the tomato juices mingle with the potatoes, aubergine and courgette as they soften.
  • Fresh finish: Lemon lifts the quinoa and balances the richness of the roasted vegetables and olive oil.
  • Good for leftovers: The roasted vegetables and quinoa hold well in the fridge, making this a practical option for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.

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Authenticity notes

  • Modern grain base: Briam is commonly served as an olive oil-rich vegetable bake; quinoa makes this version more filling while keeping the focus on the roasted vegetables.
  • Alternative base: Bulgur is a good swap if you want a more Greek-style grain pairing.

Texture tips

  • Evenly tender vegetables: Cut the potatoes a little smaller than the aubergine and courgette so they cook through in the same time.
  • Roast, don’t steam: Spread the vegetables in a single layer so their edges can brown rather than collapsing into excess moisture.

Ingredient notes

  • Use ripe tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes give the tray its natural juices and acidity, helping coat the vegetables as they roast.
  • Oregano choice: Dried oregano works well during roasting; fresh oregano is best stirred through at the end for a greener, brighter flavour.

Make-ahead tips

  • Store for later: Cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently: Reheat in a 200°C (390°F) oven until piping hot, adding a splash of water if the tray juices need loosening.
  • Freezer option: Freeze after cooking for up to 2 months, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients

Roasted vegetables

Quinoa and finishing

Instructions
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  1. Heat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Cut the potatoes, aubergine and courgettes into chunky, bite-sized pieces, and cut the tomatoes into wedges.
  2. Tip the potatoes, aubergine, courgettes and tomatoes into a large bowl. Crush in the garlic, add the dried oregano, extra virgin olive oil, fine sea salt and black pepper, then toss well to coat.
  3. Spread the vegetables out on a large baking tray, then pour the 120 ml water into the tray to help the potatoes cook through. Roast for 55 to 60 minutes, turning once halfway, until the potatoes are tender and the edges are deeply golden.
  4. While the vegetables roast, rinse the quinoa in a colander until the water runs clearer. Bring 500 ml water to the boil in a large pot, add the quinoa and a pinch of fine sea salt, then simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes until the water is absorbed.
  5. Take the pot off the heat, cover and leave the quinoa to steam for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Halve the lemon and squeeze half over the quinoa, then taste and add more if you like it brighter.
  6. Spoon the quinoa into bowls or onto plates and pile the roasted vegetables on top, including any tray juices. Serve straight away with the remaining lemon for squeezing at the table.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Cut the potatoes slightly smaller than the aubergine and courgette so everything finishes roasting at the same time.
  • If the tray looks dry partway through roasting, add a small splash of water to keep the tomatoes from catching before the potatoes are tender.
  • For the best texture, spread the vegetables in a single layer so they roast rather than steam.

Substitutions

  • Replace Quinoa with bulgur for a more traditional Greek-style base.
  • Replace Dried oregano with fresh oregano, using about 1 tbsp picked leaves stirred through at the end.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 4 days
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers. Reheat in a 200°C (390°F) oven for 12 to 15 minutes until piping hot; add a splash of water if needed to loosen the tray juices. Freeze for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Modern Briam with Quinoa
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 1h 20min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Greek
Beginner friendly Freezer friendly Kid friendly

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