Easy Zucchini Pie Recipe: Healthy & Delicious

Summary

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips and Variations
• Chef’s Tips

Ingredients

Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 100g cold butter, cubed
• 1 egg
• Salt to taste
• 3 tablespoons ice water (if needed)

Filling:

• 2 medium zucchinis, grated
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 eggs
• 1 box (200g) heavy cream
• Chopped parsley and chives to taste
• Salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Add cold butter and mix with your fingertips until crumbly.
2. Add the egg and mix until incorporated. If necessary, gradually add ice water until a homogeneous dough forms.
3. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until golden.
5. Add the grated zucchini and sauté until tender and some of the water has evaporated.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
7. In a bowl, mix the sautéed zucchini, Parmesan cheese, eggs, heavy cream, parsley, chives, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
8. Assemble: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
9. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface.
10. Line the bottom and sides of a pie dish (preferably with a removable bottom).
11. Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly.
12. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the pie is golden brown and the filling is set.
13. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve your delicious Zucchini Pie.

Tips and Variations

• Add other vegetables to the filling, such as grated carrots, chopped tomatoes, or sautéed spinach.
• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with plain yogurt.
• Use mozzarella or provolone cheese in the filling for a more intense flavor.
• Try adding diced bacon to the zucchini sauté for a smoky touch.
• Zucchini Pie is great served with a fresh green salad.

Chef’s Tips

To ensure your Zucchini Pie turns out perfectly, it’s crucial to remove excess water from the grated zucchini after sautéing it. This prevents the filling from becoming watery and the crust from getting soggy. You can squeeze the zucchini with your hands or use a clean cloth to remove excess liquid. Also, don’t forget to use very cold butter when preparing the crust; this ensures it will be crispy and flavorful. Another important tip is to blind bake the crust before adding the filling, baking it for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps prevent the crust from being raw and ensures a firm base for your pie. Zucchini Pie is an excellent option for a nutritious and flavorful dinner, and by following these tips, you’ll impress everyone with your culinary skills. Remember, the quality of the ingredients also makes a big difference, so whenever possible, opt for fresh, high-quality products. Enjoy every step of the preparation and savor the final result!