Thessaly plan covers the center of Greece-mountains, rivers, plains, and the sea all meet here, which adds great ingredients to the area's dishes. This is a regional dish, not found in other parts of Greece.
Eggplant Pie
Πιάτο μελιτζάνας
/piáto melitzánas/
Serves 10-12 people
5 organic eggplants
1/2 cup (120 ml) olive oil
6 chopped organic onions
1/2 cup (120 ml) organic milk or dairy-free almond milk
4 organic eggs
1 pound (455 g) crumbled feta cheese or a dairy-free goat cheese
black pepper to taste
1 pound (455 g) (gluten-free) phyllo, defrosted and at room temperature
3-4 Tbs. (45-60 ml) olive oil for brushing the phyllo
Step I.
1. Peel the eggplants and cut into 1-inch (2,5 cm) cubes.
2. Place in layers in a colander, sprinkle each layer with salt.
3. Place a plate over the eggplants, place a weight on top of the plate, and leave to drain for an hour over a bowl or sink.
4. Rinse the water and drain thoroughly.
5. Pat the eggplant cubes dry.
Step II.
6. Heat the oil in a wide pot over medium heat and cook the onions for a few minutes.
7. Add the eggplant cubes, toss to coast, and cook until the eggplants are tender, about 8 minutes.
8. Remove from the heat and let cool.
Preheat the oven to 375F (190C)
Step III.
9. Beat the milk and eggs and add to the eggplant mixture.
10. Add the cheese and toss.
11. Add black pepper to taste.
Step IV.
12. Lightly oil a 13- by 18-inch (about 33 by 46 cm) baking pan that is 2 inches (5 cm) deep.
13. Open the phyllo and place on a work surface.
(a) Cover with a cloth to keep it from drying out.
14. Place the first sheet of phyllo inside the baking pan, allow the excess to hang over one edge.
15. Brush with olive oil.
16. Repeat with the excess hangs over the opposite edge. Brush with oil.
17. Repeat with 6 more sheets with alternating edges hanging over.
18. Spread the eggplant mixture evenly over the phyllo.
19. Cover with 6 more sheets.
20. Take the bottom and top excess phyllo and roll it up together around the edges of the pie to make a rim.
21. Sprinkle the top lightly with water and score the pie.
22. Bake until golden about an hour.
23. Remove and cool for half an hour.
-modified The Glorious Foods of Greece
Eggplants can be grown in a pot.
