Tian (dish) facts for kids
A tian is a special kind of cooking pot from Provence, a beautiful region in France. It's made of earthenware, which is a type of clay. People use this pot for both cooking and serving food. The word "tian" also refers to the delicious dish cooked inside it!
The word "tian" comes from an old Provençal word for the cooking pot itself. Over time, it also became the name for the food cooked in it. The word "tian" actually comes from an even older Greek word, "teganon," which meant "frying pan."
What Does a Tian Pot Look Like?
A classic tian pot has a unique shape. It's like a cone that's been cut off at the top, making it wider at the opening and flatter at the bottom. It flares out to a wide edge.
The inside of the pot is usually shiny and smooth because it's covered in a special glaze. The outside, however, is often left natural and unglazed. Tian pots are also shallower than another type of clay pot called a cassole, which is used in other parts of France. Even though the exact shape can vary a bit now, the main thing is that it's always made from earthenware clay.
What is a Tian Dish?
The food called "tian" has changed over many years. A long time ago, in the 1700s, a tian was described as a "lean stew." But the modern tian dish is different. It's cooked without adding any extra liquid. Instead, the ingredients cook until their own natural juices and moisture dry up.
In Provence, a tian dish can be made just with vegetables. But you can also add other tasty things like lamb, fish, or eggs to the vegetables. Goat cheese is a very common ingredient too! You can think of a tian as a type of gratin made in the style of Provence. The ingredients used in a tian are usually those that are very common and loved in the Provence region of France.
