Greek Politiko Briam

Greek Politiko Briam


Briam is a very simple and popular Greek dish. This recipe is called 'Politiko' Briam from the name 'Poli' which is what Greeks call Constantinopolis, and 'Politiko' recipes are from the Greeks who used to live there. The basic difference between this and ordinary Briam is the addition of Bechamel sauce on top. Do try it - you'll find it delicious!


Ingredients


1 kg courgettes (zucchini)
1 kg potatoes
1 large onion
4 cloves garlic
2 tbsp parsley
150 ml olive oil
200 ml water
Salt and pepper to taste

For Béchamel

1 litre fresh milk
250g butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
200g grated parmesan cheese (2/3 for the béchamel and 1/3 to sprinkle on top of the béchamel)


Preparation

Cut the courgettes and potatoes into slices approx. ½ cm thick.

Finely slice the onion and garlic.

Place all the ingredients in a shallow oven dish along with the oil, water and salt & pepper.

Bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for approx. 1 hour until all the water has been absorbed and it has a nice golden colour.

Meanwhile, prepare the Béchamel sauce.

Béchamel

In a heavy-bottomed pan gently heat the butter until it melts.

Add the flour and stir continuously.

Add half of the milk and continue to stir with a whisk.

When the mixture starts to thicken, add the rest of the milk whilst stirring continuously.

When it starts to thicken again, lower the temperature to the minimum and add the grated cheese.



Spread the Béchamel over the baked food and put back in the oven at 160 degrees Celsius for approx. 30 minutes.



Eat and Enjoy!



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Greek Briam
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