Welcome to our comprehensive guide on creating a delicious and healthy dish known as Crustless Zucchini Pie. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a light yet satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. The pie is packed with fresh zucchini, flavorful cheese, and a variety of herbs, making it a versatile dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In this detailed article, we will walk you through every step of the process, provide helpful tips, and offer variations to suit your preferences. Let’s dive in and create a dish that will become a favorite in your household!
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.