Delicious Mediterranean Pie Recipe for Foodies
Come in close and let me tell you a little story about a pie. Not just any pie, mind you, but a Mediterranean Pie. The kind of pie that has layers upon layers of rich, savory flavors all baked together until they’re just right.
This is one recipe that’s truly worth sinking your teeth into. With its hearty ingredients like tangy feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and earthy spinach all nestled between sheets of flaky puff pastry, it’s a dish that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.
But here’s the best part: this layered Mediterranean masterpiece is deceptively easy to make. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just dipping your toes into the culinary world, this recipe is perfect for any skill level.
Trust me when I say that once you give this free-form Mediterranean pie a try, it’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe arsenal. So heat up your oven, grab your apron, and let’s get started on creating something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that’s sure to impress your friends and family? Look no further than the Mediterranean Pie Recipe!
What’s not to love about this dish? It’s packed with flavor, thanks to ingredients like garlic, onion, and feta cheese. And since it’s made with puff pastry dough, it’s light and airy, making it the perfect choice for a warm summer evening.
But that’s not all – this pie is also incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your tastes by adding different vegetables or proteins – think chicken, ground beef or lamb – to the mix. Plus, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply swap out the meat for more veggies and you’re good to go.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for something tasty and filling to serve on a weeknight, this Mediterranean Pie is sure to please everyone at the table. So why wait? Give it a try today!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to make this Mediterranean Pie Recipe:
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1 pound frozen puff pastry, thawed
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10 ounces frozen spinach, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 large sweet onion, chopped
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 teaspoon olive oil
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1 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1 lb feta cheese, crumbled
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1 small red pepper, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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whole wheat pie crust
The Recipe How-To
Preparation
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Ingredients
The ingredients you will need are the following:
- 2 small onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter or margarine
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 lb frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs
- 1 small red pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
Step-by-step instructions
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In a skillet or frying pan, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they are translucent and fragrant.
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Add the thawed and drained spinach to the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture, and mix well until heated throughout.
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In a mixing bowl combine four (4) whisked eggs, sliced red pepper, crumbled feta cheese and halved cherry tomatoes.
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On a lightly floured surface, unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry (use whole wheat if preferred) cutting it in half if necessary.
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Spread spinach mixture evenly over the pastry leaving about an inch free around the edge.
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Pour egg mixture on top of the spinach layer.
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Place second sheet of thawed pastry on top of layered mediterranean pie filling & egg bake. Gently press down all around the edges to seal mediterranean pie.
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Cut slits in top layer for steam to escape when you mediterranean tomato pie is baking.
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Bake Mediterranean Pie preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Be sure to thoroughly drain any excess water from thawed frozen spinach to prevent a runny fill.
- Use whole wheat puff pastry for a healthier option.
- Brush beaten egg yolk on top crust for crispier texture
Mediterranean Pie recipe is an easy vegetarian meal that will leave you fully satisfied after digging in bite by bite of this puffed-up savory meal!
Substitutions and Variations
There are many ways to switch up this Mediterranean Pie recipe to make it your own or to accommodate dietary restrictions. Here are a few substitution and variation ideas:
– For a vegetarian option, omit the ground meat and add either more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, or a vegetarian protein source like chickpeas or tofu.
– Swap out the frozen spinach for fresh spinach or another dark leafy green like kale or Swiss chard. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess water from the greens before layering them into the pie.
– Use a different cheese in place of the mozzarella and feta. Gouda, cheddar, and goat cheese all work well in savory pies.
– If you don’t have any puff pastry on hand, you could use phyllo dough instead. Keep in mind that it will create a different texture – phyllo dough is thinner and more delicate than puff pastry, but still delicious!
– Add some additional herbs or spices to give your pie a different flavor profile. Rosemary, thyme, paprika, and cumin would all be great additions.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own variations of this recipe! The beauty of pies is that they can be very forgiving, so even if it doesn’t turn out exactly how you envisioned, it will likely still be tasty.
Serving and Pairing
Once your Mediterranean pie is out of the oven and ready to be served, get ready for an explosion of flavor in every bite! This dish is versatile and can be served as a main course or as a side dish to complement other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
For a complete Mediterranean feast, pair your pie with a fresh green salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette. You could also add some Hummus on the side or make some tzatziki sauce with cucumber and Greek yogurt to take the flavors up a notch.
For wine enthusiasts, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc will pair nicely with this layered Mediterranean delight. On the other hand, if you prefer red wines, you can’t go wrong pairing it with a fruity red wine like Beaujolais or Merlot.
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, a lemonade spritzer made with sparkling water and fresh lemon juice will add a refreshing twist to this already delicious meal.
However you choose to serve it, this Mediterranean pie is sure to impress any guest at your table.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to meal prepping, this Mediterranean Pie recipe is a champion. It’s easy to make ahead and store for later use.
To make ahead: After baking the pie, let it cool completely. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you are ready to serve, simply place it in the oven and reheat it at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s warmed through.
To store: If you have leftovers or want to prepare the pie ahead of time but not bake it yet, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The filling may release some moisture, which can cause the crust to become a bit soft when reheated, but it’ll still be delicious.
To reheat: It’s best to reheat individual slices of the pie in the oven. Place the slice on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You may need to adjust the heating time depending on your oven.
If you want to freeze the Mediterranean Pie, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, be sure to bake the pie before you freeze it. Wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you are ready to reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight . To reheat fully thawed slices follow baking instructions above at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s warmed through.
I hope these tips will help you get the most out of your Mediterranean Pie recipe!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making the perfect Mediterranean Pie, there are some tips that can make all the difference. From ensuring your pastry is just the right texture to getting the ideal combination of fillings, I’ve gathered some top tips to help you nail this dish every time.
Firstly, when handling the puff pastry for the pie crust, it’s important not to overwork it. Overhandling can lead to pastry that is tough or dense, rather than light and flaky. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions for thawing properly as well, as too much heat can cause the pastry layers to stick together.
Another tip is to pre-cook any vegetables used in the pie filling before assembling. This ensures they are cooked perfectly and avoid any undercooked or overly mushy vegetables in your final dish. When cooking onions and garlic for example, sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, but not browned or crispy.
It can also be useful to mix up your cheese selection to get the perfect balance of flavours in your pie. For a more tangy flavour and crumbly texture, try feta cheese. A sharper flavour can be achieved with some grated Parmesan added in. And for a creamier taste that still holds its shape well in cooking, try using whole milk mozzarella cheese.
To create that perfect golden brown finish on your pie shell and fillings make sure you brush an egg wash over the pastry crust just before baking. Use a beaten egg with a little bit of milk or water mixed in for best results.
Lastly, make sure to allow your Mediterranean Pie enough time to cool after it has come out of the oven. This will ensure that the filling sets properly without falling apart when you slice into it. Enjoy your perfectly baked Mediterranean Pie!
FAQ
Now, let us move on to the FAQs section where you will find practical answers to some of the questions you may have regarding this recipe. Read on to clear any doubts you may have before getting started with your Mediterranean Pie recipe.
What is Montgomery pie made of?
This recipe presents a traditional dish from the Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, combining a rich and flaky crust with a delicious mixture of molasses and lemon filling, topped with a moist buttermilk cake layer.
Why is it important to know the pie crust edges?
To ensure the perfect balance of a visually appealing and functional pie, crimping its edges is highly recommended. Shortcrust pastry is commonly used in pie making, and to guarantee the best outcome, keeping the pastry at a cool temperature is essential during the rolling and shaping process.
What do I bake a pie in?
If you’re looking to bake the perfect pie, there are a few tricks you can use to ensure a fully baked bottom crust. One option is to use a glass pie dish, which conducts heat evenly and helps to prevent any sort of undercooked or soggy crust. Another trick is to bake your pie on a stone, such as a baking or pizza stone. This ensures that even the juiciest fruit pies will have a fully cooked crust on the bottom, while maintaining a lovely golden-brown top.
Of course, before you can focus on baking your pie, you’ll need to have a solid pie crust recipe to work with. Luckily, we’ve got you covered! Check out our step-by-step guide on How to Make a Pie Crust to get started on the right foot.
How do you bake a pie?
For this recipe, it’s important to properly position the pie before baking. First, set the pie on top of a sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent any messes. Next, carefully place the pie and sheet onto the bottom rack of your oven. Bake the pie at 400°F for 20 minutes before reducing the temperature to 350°F for an additional hour until the filling is beautifully frothy and the crust has a lovely golden hue.
Bottom Line
As we come to the end of this article, I hope you’ve been enticed and inspired to try out this delicious Mediterranean Pie recipe. With its combination of flavorful ingredients and buttery, flaky pastry crust, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your stomach.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or simply looking for an easy yet impressive dish to serve up to friends and family, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. And with numerous variations and substitutions available, you’ll be able to make the pie uniquely your own.
So go ahead and give it a try – preheat your oven, grab those ingredients from your local supermarket and start baking. You won’t regret it. Trust me, once you take a bite of this flavorful mediterranean style masterpiece, you’ll be hooked. Happy Baking!
Mediterranean Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
- 2 sweet red peppers, diced
- 2 small onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen spinach, thawed & squeezed dry (I use my ricer)
- 2 (14 ounce) packages frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 12 ounces black forest ham, sliced
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese, grated
- 8 eggs, beaten & seasoned with
- salt & pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for glaze)
Instructions
- Melt butter in skillet over medium heat; cook peppers, onions & garlic for about 12 minutes or until all liquid evaporates.
- Remove from heat & stir in spinach; set aside.
- Roll each piece of pastry to 1/8 inch thickness; use 1 piece to line a 10 inch springform pan, leaving excess draped over sides.
- Layer half the ham slices in the bottom, sprinkle half the cheese, spread half the veggies followed by the eggs.
- Repeat these layers.
- Cover with remaining pastry, trim off edges & pinch layers together; cut steam vents in the top & brush with egg glaze.
- Place pan on a rimmed baking sheet in the centre of a preheated 400F oven for 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to 350F and bake for an additional 45 to 60 minutes or until top is golden & knife inserted in centre is hot when pulled out.
- Let cool for 15 minutes; remove pan sides & cut into wedges.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.