Authentic Greek Tourlou: A Hearty Vegetable Medley Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 aubergines, cut into thick slices
  • 2 courgettes, sliced into half-moon shapes
  • 2 red bell peppers, seeded and sliced
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • 3 clovers of garlic, minced
  • 4 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 250 ml of water

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (or 160°C for fan ovens).
  2. Take a large baking dish and add a layer of aubergine slices. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Repeat this process with the courgettes and then the bell peppers, seasoning each layer as you go.
  4. Next, scatter the onions and garlic over the top, followed by the tomatoes. Season once more.
  5. Sprinkle over the parsley, oregano and sugar.
  6. Drizzle generously with olive oil.
  7. Pour the water around the sides of the dish, being careful not to wash away the seasoning on top.
  8. Cover the dish with foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour.
  9. After an hour, remove the foil and bake for a further 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized.
  10. Allow the Tourlou to cool slightly before serving. It is traditionally enjoyed at room temperature and tastes even better the next day.

Tools for making

  • Baking dish - A large oven-safe dish to bake the Tourlou in.
  • Knife - Used for slicing the aubergines, courgettes, bell peppers, and onions.
  • Cutting board - To provide a surface for cutting the vegetables.
  • Garlic press - Optional, but helpful for mincing the garlic cloves.
  • Peeler - To peel the skin off the tomatoes.
  • Cooking spoon or spatula - Used for stirring and arranging the vegetables in the baking dish.
  • Foil - To cover the baking dish during the initial baking time.
  • Oven mitts - To protect your hands when handling the hot baking dish.

Recipe variations

  • Additional vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or potatoes
  • Include a layer of feta cheese or other types of cheese between the vegetables
  • Add a sprinkle of dried chili flakes or paprika for some heat
  • Replace the fresh parsley with basil or mint for a different flavor profile
  • Drizzle balsamic glaze or vinegar over the vegetables before baking for added tanginess
  • For a heartier option, add cooked chickpeas or lentils to the dish
  • Make it vegan by omitting the cheese and using vegetable broth instead of water
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or cumin
  • Try grilling the vegetables instead of baking them for a smoky flavor
  • Serve the Tourlou with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on top

Recipe overview

Tourlou, also known as Greek mixed roasted vegetables, is a vibrant and hearty dish packed full of Mediterranean flavors. This recipe involves layering aubergines, courgettes, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes in a baking dish, seasoning them generously, and slow-roasting them to perfection. The result is a rich medley of vegetables that are tender, slightly caramelized, and infused with the aromas of garlic, parsley, and oregano. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity and flexibility, as you can mix and match vegetables based on seasonality or personal preference. It's traditionally served at room temperature, making it a perfect choice for a picnic or as a side dish in your dinner spread. This Tourlou recipe is sure to transport your taste buds to a sunny Greek island!

Common questions

  1. Can I make Tourlou ahead of time? Yes, Tourlou can be made ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to meld together. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  2. Can I freeze Tourlou? Yes, Tourlou can be frozen for later use. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
  3. Can I add other vegetables to Tourlou? Absolutely! Tourlou is a versatile dish, and you can add other vegetables based on your preference. Some common additions include potatoes, mushrooms, or even carrots. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all the vegetables are cooked through.
  4. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh? Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if you don't have fresh ones. Use about 400g of canned tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped.
  5. Can I omit any herbs or spices? While the herbs and spices add a lot of flavor to the dish, you can omit or adjust them based on your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment and tailor the recipe to your liking.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking dish - A large baking dish is needed to layer and bake the Tourlou.
  • Foil - Foil is used to cover the baking dish while the Tourlou is baking in the oven.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is essential for slicing the aubergines, courgettes, peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
  • Chopping board - A sturdy chopping board provides a surface for safely preparing and chopping the vegetables.
  • Mincing knife - A mincing knife or a garlic press can be used to mince the garlic cloves.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are necessary to accurately measure the dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Serving platter - A large serving platter or dish is ideal for presenting and serving the Tourlou.
  • Serving utensils - Serving utensils such as a spatula or serving spoon come in handy for serving portions of the Tourlou onto individual plates.
  • Oven gloves - Oven gloves or mitts should be used to handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Origin stories

Tourlou, a classic dish hailing from the sunny kitchens of Greece, is a testament to the country's knack for turning simple, humble ingredients into a feast for the senses. Its name, translating to 'all mixed up', is a playful nod towards the jumble of vegetables that form the heart of this dish. Each vegetable brings its unique charm to the medley, much like the diverse landscapes of Greece itself. From the sun-soaked islands to the bustling cities, every corner of this charming land has its own variant of Tourlou, yet they all echo the same spirit of Greek gastronomy - fresh, unpretentious, and brimming with flavor. It's said that Tourlou, much like a well-aged wine, gets better with time - allowing the flavors to deepen and harmonize overnight before serving. In many Greek homes, it's a beloved summer tradition to prepare a hearty batch of Tourlou in the evening, let it work its magic overnight, and enjoy a delectable, room-temperature lunch the next day.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.