RECIPES > FAMILY MEALS
BATZINA: CRUSTLESS ZUCCHINI PIE
Greeks refer to Batzina as the ‘lazy pie’ because you don’t need to prep any dough; it can be thrown together quickly and easily. Sounds like perfection.
By Helen Tzouganatos
Batzina is a crustless pie originating from Epirus and Thessaly in Northern Greece. The grated zucchini, creamy feta and eggs make the pie incredibly moist, with the dill and mint adding freshness and flavour. It is important to get the thickness of your pie right. You don’t want it too thick, so use the pan size specified to ensure a gorgeous golden crust and perfectly set filling.
SERVES 8
Ingredients
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600g zucchini, coarsely grated
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Sea salt flakes and freshly ground white pepper
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4 eggs
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Large handful of mint leaves, finely chopped
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Small handful of dill fronds, finely chopped
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4 spring onions, finely sliced
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200g Greek feta, crumbled
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Finely grated zest of 1 small lemon
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2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
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200g gluten-free self-raising flour
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80g (½ cup) sesame seeds, for sprinkling
Method
STEP 1
Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan-forced). Grease a 25 cm × 30 cm baking tray.
STEP 2
Toss the grated zucchini with a pinch of salt, place in a colander and set aside for 20 minutes. Squeeze out the excess moisture from the zucchini.
STEP 3
Whisk the eggs in a large bowl. Add the zucchini, mint, dill, spring onion, feta, lemon zest, olive oil and a pinch of salt and white pepper, and mix to combine. Add the flour and mix with a wooden spoon until you have a thick batter
STEP 4
Sprinkle half the sesame seeds over the base of the prepared tray, then spoon in the batter and spread out evenly. Drizzle with olive oil (or use oil spray if you prefer) and sprinkle on the remaining sesame seeds. Bake for 45 minutes or until the pie is golden. Cool slightly and serve warm. Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to three days and reheat prior to serving if you wish.
Recipe from Gluten-Free Mediterranean by Helen Tzouganatos, Plum, 2023. Read more about Helen and see her at home preparing for a summer feast.
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