Crustless Zucchini Pie

Introduction to Crustless Zucchini Pie

Crustless Zucchini Pie is a delightful and healthy dish that combines the fresh taste of zucchini with the richness of cheese and the aromatic flavor of herbs. The absence of a crust makes it lower in carbs and calories, while still being delicious and satisfying. This pie is perfect for using up an abundance of zucchini and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Pie:

• Zucchini (3 medium, grated): Provides the main vegetable base of the pie.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Helps to draw out excess moisture from the zucchini.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the onions.
• Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a robust flavor.
• Large Eggs (4): Binds the ingredients together.
• Whole Milk (1/2 cup / 120ml): Adds creaminess to the mixture.
• All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup / 60g): Provides structure to the pie.
• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the pie rise slightly.
• Black Pepper (to taste): Adds mild heat and depth of flavor.
• Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds a Mediterranean flavor.
• Shredded Cheese (1 cup / 100g, cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix): Adds richness and flavor.
• Fresh Herbs (2 tablespoons, chopped parsley or basil, optional): Adds freshness and color.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing Bowls: Various sizes for mixing ingredients.
• Grater: For grating the zucchini and cheese.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For mixing.
• Sauté Pan: For cooking the onions and garlic.
• Pie Dish (9-inch): For baking the pie.
• Paper Towels or Clean Kitchen Towel: For squeezing excess moisture from the zucchini

Preparing the Zucchini

1. Grate the Zucchini: Using a grater, grate the zucchini into a large mixing bowl.
2. Salt the Zucchini: Sprinkle the grated zucchini with 1 teaspoon of salt and toss to combine. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3. Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: Place the salted zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to avoid a watery pie.

Sautéing the Onions and Garlic

4. Heat the Olive Oil: In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
5. Cook the Onions: Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Preparing the Pie Mixture

7. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and black pepper.
8. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and then stir in the milk until well combined.
9. Combine All Ingredients: Add the grated zucchini, sautéed onions and garlic, flour mixture, dried oregano, shredded cheese, and chopped fresh herbs (if using) to the egg mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

Baking the Pie

10. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
11. Prepare the Pie Dish: Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
12. Pour the Mixture: Pour the zucchini mixture into the prepared pie dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
13. Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serving the Pie

14. Cool Slightly: Allow the pie to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut.
15. Serve: Slice the Crustless Zucchini Pie and serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a side salad or a light soup.

Tips for Perfect Crustless Zucchini Pie

• Remove Moisture: Squeezing out the excess moisture from the zucchini is crucial to prevent a watery pie.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality zucchini and herbs for the best flavor.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses. Feta, Parmesan, or Gruyère can add a unique flavor.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as dill, thyme, or rosemary to change the flavor profile.

Variations and Additions

Crustless Zucchini Pie is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Mediterranean Zucchini Pie:

• Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped Kalamata olives, and 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes.
• Herbs: Use fresh dill and mint for a Mediterranean twist.

Protein-Packed Zucchini Pie:

• Ingredients: Add 1 cup of cooked, crumbled sausage or bacon to the mixture for extra protein.
• Cheese: Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

Vegan Zucchini Pie:

• Ingredients: Use 1/2 cup of chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour, and replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg).
• Cheese: Use a vegan cheese alternative.

Spicy Zucchini Pie:

• Ingredients: Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
• Cheese: Use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.

Nutritional Benefits of Crustless Zucchini Pie

This pie is not only tasty but also nutritious. Here are some of the benefits:

Zucchini:

• Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium.
• Low in Calories: Zucchini is low in calories, making it a great option for weight management.
• Fiber: Provides dietary fiber that aids in digestion.

Eggs and Cheese:

• Protein: Eggs and cheese are excellent sources of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Calcium: Cheese provides calcium, which supports bone health.
• Healthy Fats: Eggs contain healthy fats that are important for overall health.