Dive into the vibrant flavors of summer with this zucchini tomato pie recipe. This light, savory pie is perfect for a brunch or a hearty lunch. The biscuit mix creates a fluffy, soft crust that envelops the juicy tomatoes and the crisp, garden-fresh zucchinis. The hint of parmesan cheese adds a perfect sharpness, making this a pie you'll want to make over and over.
This recipe uses everyday ingredients that you might already have on your kitchen shelf. However, one ingredient that stands out is the biscuit baking mix. This is a pre-mixed concoction of all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt, and it might not be readily available in some households. If you don't have this at home, you can easily find this in the baking aisle of your local supermarket.
Ingredients for Zucchini Tomato Pie
Zucchini: Zucchini is a summer squash that adds a fresh, earthy flavor to the pie. Tomato: Fresh, ripe tomatoes provide a juicy and tangy counterpoint to the zucchini. Onion: Onions give the pie a savory, aromatic base. Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese is a hard, granular cheese that adds a sharp, umami flavor to the pie. Biscuit baking mix: This is a pre-mixed ingredient that simplifies the process of making the pie's crust. Milk: Milk adds a creamy, rich flavor to the pie. Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and give the pie a firm, yet tender texture. Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Black pepper: Black pepper adds a slight heat and complexity to the pie.
One reader, Katey Vuong says:
This zucchini tomato pie recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh zucchini and juicy tomatoes creates a burst of flavor in every bite. The savory parmesan cheese adds a delightful touch. It's a simple yet impressive dish that's perfect for any occasion. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Zucchini Tomato Pie
How to prepare the pie pan: Grease the 10-inch pie pan to prevent the pie from sticking to the pan during baking.
How to combine the ingredients: Mix the zucchini, tomato, onion, and parmesan cheese together in the prepared pie pan to evenly distribute the flavors.
How to make the batter: In a small bowl, combine the biscuit mix, milk, eggs, salt, and pepper. Beat the mixture until smooth to create the batter for the pie.
How to bake the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
How to serve: Once baked, allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy the zucchini tomato pie!
How To Make Zucchini Tomato Pie
This zucchini tomato pie makes a great savory dish with the combination of eggs, cheese, milk, and biscuit baking mix for a dish served in under an hour.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupszucchini,chopped
- 1cuptomato,chopped
- ½cuponion,chopped
- ⅓cupparmesan cheese,grated
- ¾cupbiscuit baking mix
- ½cupmilk
- 3eggs
- ½tspsalt
- ¼tspblack pepper,ground
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 10-inch pie pan.
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Combine zucchini, tomato, onion, and Parmesan cheese in prepared pie pan.
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In a small bowl, combine biscuit mix, milk, eggs, and salt and pepper. Beat until smooth, then pour over vegetable mixture.
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Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 156.87kcal
- Fat: 7.35g
- Saturated Fat: 3.05g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.87g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.86g
- Carbohydrates: 14.48g
- Fiber: 1.28g
- Sugar: 5.17g
- Protein: 8.37g
- Cholesterol: 87.93mg
- Sodium: 349.46mg
- Calcium: 172.38mg
- Potassium: 276.37mg
- Iron: 1.13mg
- Vitamin A: 75.75µg
- Vitamin C: 11.83mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Your Zucchini Tomato Pie
When preparing the zucchini, tomato, and onion for this recipe, it's important to chop them into small, even pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly and at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being overcooked while others are still raw. Additionally, when combining the biscuit mix, milk, eggs, and seasonings, make sure to beat the mixture until it's completely smooth. This will help to create a more uniform and pleasing texture in the final pie.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Savory Pie Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare the zucchini, tomato, and onion the night before to save time on the day of baking.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded parmesan cheese to save time on grating and reduce prep work.
Double the recipe: Make two pies at once and freeze one for later to save time on future meal prep.
Invest in a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables and save time on prep work.
One-pan cooking: Consider using a skillet to cook the zucchini, tomato, and onion together before adding them to the pie crust to save time and reduce dishes.
Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Tomato Pie Recipe
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and flavor to zucchini, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
tomato - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell pepper can provide a similar color and a slightly sweet flavor, adding a different dimension to the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots have a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can complement the other ingredients in the pie.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with gruyere cheese: Gruyere cheese has a nutty flavor and melts well, adding a rich and savory element to the pie.
biscuit baking mix - Substitute with all-purpose flour mixed with baking powder and salt: Creating a homemade mix can be a suitable alternative if biscuit baking mix is not available.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a subtle nutty flavor to the pie.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg): Flax eggs can be used as a vegan-friendly alternative to eggs in this recipe.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of salinity and enhance the overall flavors of the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can blend seamlessly into the pie without adding dark specks.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Zucchini and Tomato Pie
Elevate the pie with a stunning presentation: When plating the zucchini tomato pie, carefully arrange the slices of tomato and zucchini in an overlapping pattern, creating a visually appealing design. This will showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables and create an eye-catching presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and thyme over the top of the pie just before serving. The aromatic herbs will add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor, enhancing the overall appeal of the dish.
Serve with a balsamic reduction: Drizzle a balsamic reduction in a decorative pattern on the plate before placing the slice of pie. The sweet and tangy flavor of the reduction will complement the savory elements of the pie and add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Use a specialty pie dish: Present the zucchini tomato pie in a beautiful ceramic pie dish or a cast iron skillet to add a touch of rustic charm and sophistication to the overall presentation.
Accompany with a side salad: Serve the zucchini tomato pie alongside a vibrant mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The colorful salad will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pie and create a well-rounded dining experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Savory Pie
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It can be used to quickly and efficiently prepare the zucchini, tomato, and onion for the pie filling.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the biscuit baking mix, milk, eggs, and seasonings to create the batter for the pie.
- Pie pan: A pie pan is a round, shallow dish with sloping sides, specifically designed for baking pies. It is used to bake the zucchini tomato pie to perfection.
- Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for slicing the zucchini, tomato, and onion with precision and ease.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial in baking, and measuring cups and spoons are essential tools for this purpose.
- Oven: An oven is used for baking the zucchini tomato pie at the specified temperature until it is cooked through and golden brown.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Zucchini Tomato Pie
Let the zucchini tomato pie cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the crust soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pie:
- Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This double layer will help prevent freezer burn.
- Label the pie with the date and contents, then place in the freezer. It will maintain best quality for 2-3 months.
- To reheat, unwrap the frozen pie and place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake until it's heated through, about 30-40 minutes. You may need to cover the edges of the crust with foil to prevent over-browning.
Alternatively, you can freeze individual slices:
- Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- To reheat, unwrap a slice and microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes.
If you plan to make the pie ahead of time and freeze it, consider blind-baking (pre-baking) the crust before adding the zucchini, tomato, and egg mixture. This will help the crust stay crisp after freezing and reheating.
How To Reheat Leftover Zucchini Tomato Pie
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover zucchini tomato pie on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the top from browning too quickly while the inside heats through. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pie is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If you prefer a crispier crust, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating. This will allow the top to brown slightly and give the crust a nice texture.
For a quicker option, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until it's heated through. Keep in mind that the microwave may cause the crust to become slightly soggy.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your zucchini tomato pie. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice of pie in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it's heated through and the top is slightly crispy.
For a stovetop method, place a slice of pie in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the bottom is crispy and the pie is heated through. This method works well if you like a crispy bottom crust.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your reheated pie, sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or oregano on top before serving. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Interesting Trivia About Zucchini Tomato Pie
The zucchini tomato pie recipe is a delicious way to incorporate seasonal vegetables into a savory pie. Zucchini and tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making this dish not only tasty but also nutritious. This recipe can be a great way to use up an abundance of zucchinis and tomatoes from the garden. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course, and it's perfect for picnics or potlucks. The combination of flavors and textures in this pie is sure to be a hit with vegetable lovers.
Is Making Zucchini Tomato Pie at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this zucchini tomato pie recipe is quite high. Zucchini and tomatoes are affordable, and the other ingredients are commonly found in households. This dish offers a balance of vegetables, dairy, and grains, making it a cost-effective and nutritious option. The approximate cost for a household of four people would be around $10. As a culinary chef, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for its simplicity, affordability, and delicious flavor.
Is This Savory Pie Healthy or Not?
The zucchini tomato pie recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of vegetables, protein, and dairy. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional aspects:
- Zucchini and tomatoes provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Eggs and milk offer protein and calcium
- Parmesan cheese adds flavor and a small amount of protein and calcium
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to boost its nutritional value:
- The biscuit baking mix likely contains refined flour and added salt, which can be less healthy in excess
- The recipe includes a moderate amount of salt and cheese, which can contribute to higher sodium levels
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the biscuit baking mix with a whole grain alternative or a blend of whole wheat flour and almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of salt and cheese used, or opt for a low-sodium cheese variety
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the recipe, such as adding more zucchini, tomatoes, or other colorful veggies like bell peppers or spinach
- Use a combination of whole eggs and egg whites to maintain protein while reducing cholesterol
- Experiment with herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on salt, such as basil, oregano, or garlic powder
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Zucchini and Tomato Pie
This zucchini tomato pie recipe is a delightful combination of fresh vegetables and savory flavors. The dish offers a harmonious blend of zucchini, tomato, and onion, complemented by the richness of parmesan cheese. The biscuit baking mix adds a delightful texture, while the eggs and milk create a luscious binding. The pie is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Why trust this Zucchini Tomato Pie Recipe:
This recipe is a testament to the delicious combination of zucchini and tomatoes. The savory flavors of onion and parmesan cheese elevate the dish, while the biscuit mix and milk create a delightful texture. The blend of eggs and seasonings ensures a perfect balance of flavors. Trust in the simplicity and quality of these ingredients, as they come together to create a delightful pie that will surely impress your taste buds.
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