Mediterranean-Style Baked Vegetable Tray Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon black tea powder
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
- 1 eggplant, cubed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Black Tea Marinade:
- In a small bowl, mix the black tea powder with the boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 3-4 minutes, then strain and let it cool. This mixture will be used to add a unique flavor to the vegetables.
Marinate the Vegetables:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchinis, bell peppers, cubed eggplant, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced onion. Pour the cooled black tea marinade over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Prepare the Vegetable Tray:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or lightly oil the tray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the marinated vegetables on the prepared baking tray, ensuring they are in a single layer.
Bake the Vegetables:
- Bake the vegetables in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Season and Serve:
- Remove the vegetable tray from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and sliced Kalamata olives over the vegetables. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Enjoy your Mediterranean-Style Baked Vegetable Tray, a colorful and healthy dish with a hint of black tea flavor. Perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or a vegetarian main course, this vegetable medley is full of flavor and texture. The combination of fresh herbs, tangy olives, and the subtle aroma of black tea creates a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal.