Tialla
A flavorful vegetable gratin featuring zucchini, potatoes, and tomato layered with Parmesan cheese and herbs, perfect for a hearty vegetarian main or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 loaf dry French bread ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley ⓘ
- 3 or 4 tender zucchini squash, sliced 1/4-inch thick ⓘ
- 4 to 5 medium potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Coarsely crumble the French bread into 1/2-inch pieces and set aside.
- Combine grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried basil leaves, oregano, and chopped fresh parsley in a bowl.
- Layer sliced potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes in a baking dish, seasoning each layer with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the cheese and herb mixture evenly over the layered vegetables.
- Top with the crumbled bread pieces.
- Drizzle vegetable oil over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown and vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade croutons instead of crumbled French bread. If you're short on time, pre-packaged croutons work well too. You can also substitute the zucchini with other vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant, which are great in Mediterranean recipes. Adjust the herbs according to your preference; fresh herbs will elevate the dish even more.
Serving Suggestions
This Tialla pairs beautifully with a light salad such as Mansion Hill Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can serve it as a main dish or a hearty side. It goes well with grilled meats or fish, and is perfect for a potluck. Consider pairing it with a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crispy on top. You can also microwave individual portions, but the bread topping may not be as crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tialla contains roughly 741 calories, with 15g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (105% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 809mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh bread instead of dry French bread?
Using fresh bread may result in a soggy topping. If you only have fresh bread, toast or bake it until dry before crumbling. This will help achieve the desired texture and prevent excess moisture from making the dish too wet.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you're looking for a non-dairy option, nutritional yeast can be a great substitute for Parmesan, providing a cheesy flavor. For a different cheese, consider using Pecorino Romano or even a mild cheddar if you prefer a creamier taste.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover the dish well. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).