Zucchini pie is an excellent option for those looking for a tasty, nutritious and light meal. Zucchini, a versatile vegetable, can be combined with different ingredients to create an easy and delicious recipe. This pie can be served either as a main course, accompanied by a salad, or as a snack or appetizer for an event or gathering of friends. Shall we learn how to prepare this delight?
Ingredients:
- 3 medium zucchini
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup wheat flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (parmesan or mozzarella)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 chopped garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Fresh or dried herbs to taste (suggestion: oregano, basil or thyme)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions:
- Preparing the zucchini: Start by washing the zucchini well and then cut them into thin slices or strips, depending on your preference. If you prefer, you can remove the seeds in the center to prevent the pie from becoming too watery.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan and add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is transparent, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the chopped garlic and sauté for another minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Sautéing the zucchinis: Add the zucchini slices to the pan with the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is slightly wilted and cooked through. Season with salt, black pepper and the herbs of your choice.
- Preparing the pie crust: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and add the flour, milk, grated cheese and baking powder. Mix well until you have a homogeneous dough. If you want a fresher taste, add chopped parsley too.
- Assembling the pie: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium temperature). Grease a medium baking dish (approximately 20 cm in diameter) with butter or olive oil and pour in the pastry mixture. Then distribute the sautéed zucchini on top, pressing down lightly so that they are well distributed.
- Baking: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for around 30 to 40 minutes, or until the surface is golden and firm to the touch. The time may vary depending on the size of your pan, so it's worth doing the toothpick test to make sure the pie is completely baked.
- Serving: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into slices. It can be served warm or hot, depending on your preference.
Tips and Variations:
- Adding protein: To make the pie more complete, you can add shredded chicken breast or chopped ham to the zucchini mixture.
- Gluten-free version: Replace the wheat flour with rice flour or almond flour to create a gluten-free version of the recipe.
- Cheese: If you prefer a creamier pie, add more cheese, such as ricotta or cream cheese, to the dough mixture.
- Two types of zucchini: Combine the green zucchini with the yellow zucchini for a touch of color and flavor.
Zucchini benefits:
Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable rich in water, which makes it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. In addition, it is a good source of fiber, vitamins (such as vitamin C and A) and minerals such as potassium and magnesium, which help maintain heart health and digestion.
