"Melitzanes Me Loukanika" - Eggplant And Sausage Pie
A flavorful eggplant and sausage pie featuring savory sausage, tender eggplant, aromatic herbs, and cheesy richness, perfect for hearty family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. eggplant, diced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. sweet sausage, casings removed ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. hot sausage, casings removed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. Romano or Parmesan cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups Ricotta cheese, drained ⓘ
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. capers ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Mozzarella cheese, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
Instructions
- Dice the eggplant, leaving the skin on, then toss with salt and drain in a colander for 1 hour.
- Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
- Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet and cook the sweet and hot sausages until they have rendered their fat.
- Drain the cooked sausages and set aside.
- In the same pan, cook the diced eggplant; add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss constantly until tender.
- Mix the cooked sausage with the eggplant, tomato paste, grated Romano or Parmesan cheese, marjoram, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups drained ricotta cheese, 2 lightly beaten eggs, finely minced garlic, chopped capers, diced mozzarella, and dried thyme.
- Combine the ricotta mixture with the sausage and eggplant mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle additional cheese and herbs on top if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding chopped spinach or kale to the ricotta mixture for added nutrition. If you want a lighter pie, consider using ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork. To save time, you can use pre-diced eggplant or frozen eggplant. Ensure the ricotta is well-drained to avoid a watery filling, enhancing the texture of your pie.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is delicious served warm with a fresh green salad dressed in vinaigrette. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a Mediterranean-inspired feast, consider serving it alongside Minted Lamb Stuffed Eggplant or Pljeskavica for a delightful variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook, as it can make the pie soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Melitzanes Me Loukanika" - Eggplant And Sausage Pie contains roughly 871 calories, with 24g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (118% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (95% of the Daily Value), and calcium (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2009mg per serving (87% 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 different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Ricotta is traditional, you can substitute with cottage cheese or even a dairy-free alternative if desired. For the topping, feel free to mix cheeses like Gouda or Cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the pie a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I serve as a side dish?
A simple side salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the pie nicely. You could also serve it with grilled vegetables or a light pasta salad for added texture and flavor.
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).