Every two or three weeks my daughter’s friend comes over for lunch. I love this kid, she and my youngest have been friends for about 9 years now, they became friends when they both took swimming lessons together. Needless to say we have become very good friends with her parents as well.
Why do I love this girl, besides the fact that she is sweet and a joy to be around and the perfect friend for my own daughter? Because I can make anything and she will try it at least once. So when I know she is coming I usually have 2 or 3 recipes ready and waiting. Just like today I made this delicious Baked Cauliflower Carrot Cheese Pie and she loved it, actually we all loved it.
This is a total made from scratch savory pie. An easy pie crust filled with the perfect combination of Fontal (or Gruyere cheese) and Parmesan, fresh cauliflower and carrots. If cauliflower isn’t your favourite, broccoli is always good substitute.
I have made a few savory pies, Tomato Cheese Pie, Italian Savory Rustic Pie but I always used store bought dough. But for this one I decided to use a homemade pastry.
While the pastry is resting in the refrigerator, you have time to get the filling ready, sauté the broccoli and carrots, grate the cheese, combine it with the Parmesan and egg. After that it comes together quickly and easily. Baked Cauliflower Carrot Cheese Pie makes a wonderful appetizer or main dish. I am actually eating a piece (room temperature) while I write this, so I guess you could say a yummy snack too! Buon Appetito!
Baked Cauliflower Carrot Cheese Pie
Ingredients
- PIE DOUGH
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon flour 150 grams
- 2 3/4 tablespoons water 40 grams
- 1 egg
- pinch salt
- 3 1/2 tablespoons butter 50 grams
- FILLING
- 3 cups cauliflower florets 300 grams
- 4 -5 small carrots cut lenghtwise and sliced again if too large
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- pinch or two salt
- oregano
- fresh thyme
- 2/3 cup shredded Fontal or Gruyere cheese 150 grams
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan 50 grams
- 1 egg
Instructions
- PIE DOUGH
- In a medium bowl whisk together flour and salt, add water, egg and butter, combine with a fork until dough starts to come together, then move to a lightly floured flat surface and knead until soft and smooth (add a little flour if too sticky), wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
- While the dough is in the fridge, prepare filling.
- In a medium frying pan add olive oil, broccoli, sprinkle with salt and oregano and sautee on medium to high heat, stirring constantly until a few cauliflower florets just start to brown. Remove cauliflower with a slotted spoon and then add the carrots and a sprinkle of oregano, a pinch of salt and sautee for 2-3 minutes, remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl mix together with a fork, shredded Fontal or Gruyere cheese, Parmesan and egg, set aside.
- Pre-heat oven to 350° (180° celsius). Lightly grease a 10 x 4 inch loaf pan (26 x 11 centimeter)
- Remove dough from fridge and knead a couple of times to soften, lightly flour the dough and rolling pin and roll out and fit into loaf pan (I only went half way up the pan with the dough), with a fork lightly prick the bottom of the dough, then cover dough with a piece of parchment paper and cover with dried beans or pie weights, bake for 10 minutes, remove from oven, remove beans and parchment paper.
- Pour half the cheese mixture on top of dough, spread half the brocolli and half the carrots, repeat with the other half of ingredients. Top with a sprinkle of oregano and a sprig or 2 of thyme. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes (I baked mine for 25 minutes). Let sit a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Brooklyn Girl says
This looks delicious. Can it be made crust less? I am Italian American and have never been to Italy, but my Dad was from the Liguria region, and my Mom was from Messina, so I have the best food memories, and they were both great cooks.
Rosemary says
Hi thanks so much, that’s so great when you have good food memories. Italian Moms are the best cooks and Dads too! I have never made this crustless but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. If you try it. Let me know how it turns out. Take care.
Chinazor says
This is so colorful and I am sure it will taste amazing too. Thanks for sharing.
What other alternative cheese can be used with the Parmesan cheese?
Rosemary says
Hi Chinazor, thanks, you could use a firm mozzarella (the type you use for pizza) or cheddar would work too.
mykelde says
can you use puff pastry for this recipe ?
Rosemary says
I don’t see why not, I think it would work just fine. Thanks for stopping by.
Carolyn says
This is gorgeous and making my mouth water! We are heading from US to Italian Rivera area and Rome tomorrow, so my refrigerator is empty. Will be one of the first things I make when we get back. I’m already thinking of this on my over-loaded, Italian holiday table. Thank you for sharing!
Rosemary says
Hi Carolyn, thanks so much, have a great trip and enjoy the amazing Italian food! 🙂