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Mediterranean Vegetable Pot Pie

A heart-healthy and budget-friendly dish featuring flavorful vegetables and a flaky crust, perfect for family meals.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

Vegetable Filling
  • 1 pound eggplant (about 2 medium) Essential for a satisfying texture; try zucchini if you’re out.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Draws out moisture from the eggplant.
  • 1 large sweet onion Adds natural sweetness and depth flavor.
  • ½ pound zucchini (about 3 medium) Explore with yellow squash for variety.
  • 1 pound tomatoes (about 5 Roma tomatoes) Opt for cherry tomatoes if that’s what you have.
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced) Fresh garlic provides a fragrant kick; garlic powder can work in a pinch.
Others
  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil Use any cooking oil available, but olive oil elevates flavors.
  • ¾ teaspoon dried oregano A staple Mediterranean herb, you can switch to Italian seasoning.
  • ¾ teaspoon dried basil Fresh basil adds brightness if available.
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt Enhances the dish; adjust according to taste.
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper Improves flavor complexity.
  • 1 package pie crust (store-bought or homemade) Use a whole grain crust for a health boost.
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese Parmesan adds rich flavor; nutritional yeast can be a dairy-free alternative.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella Freezes well, making this dish a budget-friendly meal prep option.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Prepare your pie crust by taking it out of the fridge and allowing it to soften while you prep the filling.
  2. Prep the eggplant. Cut 1/2 inch off both ends, slice off the skin, and cut into 1/2 inch rounds. Sprinkle 1 tsp salt evenly over the top and weigh down with heavy items to draw out moisture for 30 minutes.
  3. Dice the vegetables. While the eggplant rests, dice the sweet onion, zucchini, and minced garlic into 1/4 inch pieces.
Cooking
  1. Cook veggies. After draining the eggplant, dice it into 1/4 inch cubes. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add eggplant, zucchini, onion, and garlic. Cook and stir frequently until everything is tender—about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  2. Mix herbs. In a small bowl, combine oregano, basil, remaining salt, and pepper. Set aside for layering.
  3. Prepare tomatoes. Chop the tomatoes into 1/2 inch pieces, removing excess seeds and pulp.
Assembly
  1. Layer ingredients in crust. Place 1 crust in your pie dish. Add half of the cooked vegetables, followed by half of the tomatoes, herbs, and a sprinkle of parmesan and mozzarella.
  2. Repeat layers. Add the second layer of remaining vegetables and tomatoes, topping them with the rest of the cheese.
  3. Seal the pie. Place the second pie crust on top, crimping the edges to seal properly. Brush with egg yolk for a golden finish and sprinkle over additional parmesan.
Baking
  1. Bake the pie. Insert the pie in the center of the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes or until the crust is golden and flaky.
  2. Rest and enjoy. Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, and slice. Best accompanied by crusty French bread to soak up the delicious juices!

Notes

Mistake: Not salting the eggplant properly can lead to a soggy pie. Fix: Always let it sit under weights to draw out moisture. Mistake: Overcrowding the skillet when cooking vegetables can lead to steaming instead of sautéing. Fix: Cook in batches if needed for the perfect tender texture. Mistake: Neglecting to use parchment paper can result in sticking. Fix: Line your pie dish for an easy release. Pro Tip: Experiment with various herbs based on your family's preferences; thyme and rosemary are delightful additions. Pro Tip: Letting the pie sit for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to mingle beautifully.