Green Summer Pie
A savory green summer pie featuring spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan, with a flaky pastry crust—perfect for light lunches or brunch with a fresh, cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Prick the pie shell and bake for 15 minutes.
- Saute chopped onions in butter until tender.
- Add frozen spinach to the onions and cook until heated through.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Add the sautéed onions and spinach mixture to the cheese mixture and combine.
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie shell.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes until set and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat ricotta cheese and use fresh spinach instead of frozen. If you want to add extra flavor, consider mixing in some herbs like basil or dill. To save time, use pre-chopped onions or frozen sautéed onions. This recipe is also adaptable; try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a twist. Browse more vegetarian recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Green Summer Pie warm or at room temperature, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a delightful dessert, consider serving it alongside Butterscotch Salad for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Green Summer Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the pie for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick meal, but the oven will help maintain the pie's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Summer Pie contains roughly 496 calories, with 13g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (145% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1433mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach can be used! Just make sure to sauté it until wilted before adding it to the mixture. About 6 cups of fresh spinach should be equivalent to the 10 oz. of frozen spinach.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese on hand, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or even cream cheese as an alternative. Each will give a slightly different texture but maintain the creamy quality of the pie.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when it is set in the center and has a golden color on the top. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean, indicating that the filling is fully cooked. Keep an eye on the crust to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).