Definition of French Tian

Definition: Tian

July 27, 2009

A French specialty made from a composite of ingredients that are cooked or baked.

Originally, a tian referred to a Provençal-style bake of mixed vegetables, roasted in a gratin style. The word can also be used to describe any type of casserole-style course, from a braised vegetable stew to a layered dessert.

The term was derived from the the clay cooking vessel that is to prepare the dish.

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6 Comments

POPSUGAR Food 3 years 41 weeks

Thanks Advah, that's a good piece of information to know. :) So in Provence, something more along these lines!

Advah 3 years 42 weeks

Can I be annoyingly picky for a sec? :P I'm from Provence and we eat tians like crazy in my house, but I've never seen one look like that - instead, they're just vegetable slices arranged in rows. Actually, exactly like what is called "ratatouille" in Pixar's Ratatouille, in the restaurant (don't get me started on that). Always happy to hear about new takes on recipes though, I'll have to check the link!