Summer Eggplant and Tomato Pie Recipe
This Easy Summer Tomato Pie is a flavorful and hearty vegetarian dish that combines tender sautéed eggplant, fresh ripe tomatoes, and a rich cheesy egg custard baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a light summer meal, this savory pie brings together fresh herbs and melting mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses in a wholesome, satisfying bake.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Filling:
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray or additional olive oil for greasing the baking dish
- Preheat and Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or similar baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let sit for about 15 minutes to draw out bitterness, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Cook the Eggplant: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook eggplant slices in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until tender and lightly browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or cream, minced garlic, half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, chopped basil, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Layer the Filling: Arrange the cooked eggplant slices evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the sliced tomatoes evenly on top of the eggplant.
- Add the Egg Mixture: Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the layered eggplant and tomatoes to coat all layers.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden and the egg mixture is fully set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps flavors meld and makes slicing easier.
- Enjoy! Garnish with extra fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm as a light summer meal or vegetarian main course.
Notes
- You can substitute milk with cream for a richer custard or use a dairy-free alternative to make it lactose-free.
- To reduce bitterness of eggplant, salting and resting is key before cooking.
- Use fresh ripe tomatoes for best flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Try adding other herbs like thyme or oregano for variation.
Keywords: summer tomato pie, eggplant pie, vegetarian pie, baked vegetable pie, easy summer recipe, cheesy egg custard pie