Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- 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.
- 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.
- Dice the vegetables. While the eggplant rests, dice the sweet onion, zucchini, and minced garlic into 1/4 inch pieces.
Cooking
- 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.
- Mix herbs. In a small bowl, combine oregano, basil, remaining salt, and pepper. Set aside for layering.
- Prepare tomatoes. Chop the tomatoes into 1/2 inch pieces, removing excess seeds and pulp.
Assembly
- 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.
- Repeat layers. Add the second layer of remaining vegetables and tomatoes, topping them with the rest of the cheese.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
