The Eggplant Recipe That Drove Everyone Crazy! Better Than Pizza!

This delectable Baked Tortilla & Eggplant Pie is a wonderful twist on traditional pizza, combining layers of tasty ingredients for a family-friendly meal. Perfect for those who want a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe is filled with the goodness of eggplant, cheese, and fresh tomatoes. Plus, it’s a fun way to introduce more vegetables into your meals without compromising on flavor. Given its hearty nature, it’s best enjoyed as a main dish, especially when you have guests over!

Why This Recipe Is Helpful

Easy to prepare with minimal cooking skills required.
Uses everyday ingredients that are often already in your pantry.
Versatile for customizing with whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand.

Best For

This pie is perfect for families, vegetarians, or anyone looking to enjoy a comforting meal that feels indulgent without the guilt.

Be Careful If

If you’re watching your dairy intake, keep in mind that this dish contains cheese, which may not be suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Ingredients

2 Tortillas (piadina or tortilla)
1 Eggplant
2 Eggs
140 g Cheese (Emmental or Leerdammer)
2 Spring Onions
15 Cherry Tomatoes
Slices of Baked Ham
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Olive Oil

Ingredient Notes

Choose firm, fresh eggplants for the best texture.
Spring onions can be swapped with regular onions if needed.
Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties for added flavor.

Kitchen Tools Needed

Baking tray
Knife
Frying pan
Mixing bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by slicing the eggplant and seasoning the slices with salt. Allow them to sit for 15 minutes to purge excess moisture.
Slice the spring onions and halve the cherry tomatoes.
In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the cherry tomatoes with spring onions until the tomatoes soften. Season with salt and pepper.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
In a bowl, beat the eggs and season them with salt.
On a baking tray, place one tortilla and add a layer of grilled eggplant slices, sautéed cherry tomatoes, spring onions, shredded cheese, and pieces of baked ham.
Pour half of the beaten eggs on top of this layer.
Add another tortilla and repeat the layering process.
Top with a third tortilla to close the pie.
Pour the remaining beaten eggs over the top layer.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Once baked, slice and serve warm, enjoying the gooey, melted cheese alongside the flavorful layers of eggplant and tomatoes.

Pro Tips

Make sure to salt the eggplant to mitigate any bitterness it may have.
For crispier tortillas, you can lightly toast them in the pan before assembling.
Add a sprinkle of herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.

Lighter Swaps

Consider using whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
Swap some of the cheese for a low-fat version, although the original provides the best flavor.

Common Mistakes

Not allowing the eggplant to purge can result in a soggy texture.
Overstuffing the layers may lead to uneven cooking or difficulty slicing the pie.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pie with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips

Reheat in the oven for better texture, or microwave if you are in a hurry.

Nutrition Estimate

Calories: 370
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 20g

Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and portion size.

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Course: Main Course
Calories: 370

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the pie in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the pie a few hours ahead and bake it just before serving.

Is this dish vegetarian?
While it can be made vegetarian by omitting the ham, it still contains cheese, which is not suitable for vegans.

Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking; just ensure it’s well-wrapped. Bake directly from frozen, adding additional cooking time as needed.

For an additional delicious way to prepare eggplant, check out this eggplant recipe that everyone loves!