This delicious and hearty savory pie combines the earthy flavors of potatoes, carrots, leeks (or onions), and tomatoes, all held together in a tender batter made with eggs, kefir, and flour. It’s topped with gooey melted cheese and a sprinkling of fresh parsley, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a filling brunch option.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 4-5 potatoes
- 1 carrot
- 1 leek or onion
- 2 eggs
- 1 glass of kefir or plain drinking yogurt (approx. 200ml)
- 200g (7 oz) wheat flour
- 3 tomatoes
- Cheese, as desired (grated or sliced)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for greasing and drizzling
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel the potatoes and carrot, then grate them coarsely.
- Finely chop the leek (or onion) and sauté it in a pan with a little olive oil until soft and golden.
- Make the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, then add the kefir or plain yogurt. Mix well until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour, stirring until you have a thick, smooth batter.
- Season the batter with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Add the grated potatoes, carrot, and sautéed leek (or onion) into the batter and mix until all the vegetables are well-coated.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Slice the tomatoes and arrange them on top of the mixture.
- Add the grated or sliced cheese on top as desired.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the pie to help it bake to a golden finish.
- Bake the Pie:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the pie is firm, golden, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- After baking, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the pie cool slightly before slicing and serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Possible Questions About the Recipe
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes can be a great substitute for regular potatoes. They’ll add a slightly sweeter flavor, which pairs well with the savory notes in the recipe. Just be aware that the texture might be a bit softer. - What can I use if I don’t have kefir?
If you don’t have kefir, you can substitute it with plain yogurt, buttermilk, or even sour cream. The goal is to keep the batter moist and tangy, so any of these alternatives will work. - Can I add meat to this dish?
Absolutely! You can easily turn this dish into a more filling meal by adding cooked ground meat, sausage, or even shredded chicken. Just mix the meat into the batter along with the vegetables before baking. - How do I make this pie gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You could also experiment with almond flour or oat flour for a different texture. - What kind of cheese should I use?
This recipe is quite flexible when it comes to cheese. Mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda are all great choices. For a stronger flavor, you could try feta, Parmesan, or a mix of cheeses.
Conclusion
This Savory Baked Potato and Vegetable Pie is a deliciously hearty dish that brings together the earthy flavors of potatoes, carrots, and leeks (or onions) in a comforting, home-cooked meal. The addition of tomatoes and melted cheese on top provides both color and a burst of umami flavor, while the kefir-based batter keeps everything tender and cohesive. It’s an ideal dish for those seeking a budget-friendly, easy-to-make meal that’s both filling and nutritious.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, add protein for a heartier dish, or experiment with different types of cheese. It’s the perfect choice for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or brunch gatherings. Plus, it’s simple enough that even beginner cooks can achieve a delicious result. Serve it warm with a side salad or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying, balanced meal.
Tips for a Perfect Savory Pie
- Grating and Drying Vegetables: For the best texture, make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated potatoes and carrots before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent a soggy pie and keeps the structure intact.
- Layer for Even Cooking: When assembling the pie, layer the vegetable mixture evenly in the dish to ensure consistent cooking. Press it down gently so that the batter binds the veggies together.
- Browning the Top: For a golden-brown top, you can turn on the broiler for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
- Add Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs like thyme, dill, or basil, feel free to incorporate them into the batter or sprinkle them on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
- Leftovers and Reheating: This pie tastes great the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven to maintain the crisp edges and melted cheese.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugars: 7g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Vitamin A: 70% DV
- Vitamin C: 45% DV
- Calcium: 18% DV
- Iron: 12% DV
Additional Tips:
- Enhancing the Flavor: If you love bold flavors, try adding spices like paprika, cumin, or garlic powder to the batter. A pinch of nutmeg also adds a subtle depth to the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: This savory pie pairs wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream or a side of tangy pickles. For a more complete meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.
- Batch Cooking: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. You can double the ingredients and bake it in a larger dish to feed a crowd. It’s also freezer-friendly—just slice and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later on.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Baked Potato and Vegetable Pie is not just delicious; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients brought together in a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, it’s sure to be a hit with its rich flavors, creamy texture, and cheesy goodness. The flexibility of the recipe allows you to make it your own, whether you prefer a vegetarian version or want to add some protein. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.