Zucchini Pie With Parmesan Rice Crust

This recipe was from a clipping in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, it was adapted from this cookbook: Pot Pies: Comfort Food Under Cover, by Diane Phillips.

OK. This one stretches the definition of potpie. Some might argue it's more like a casserole. But it was so delicious, we had to run the recipe no matter what it's called. You can substitute brown rice for white for a nuttier flavor. Just increase the cooking time by 15 minutes.

Zucchini Pie With Parmesan Rice Crust

Make 8 servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups (about 2 ½ pounds) grated zucchini
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 shakes Tabasco sauce
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup long-grain rice
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 13-by-9-inch ovenproof baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Grate the zucchini in the food processor. (What, you don't have one....use a box grater.)

In a sauté pan, melt the butter; add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until the onion is softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add zucchini and cook until it is no longer giving off moisture, about 4 to 6 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Tabasco. Sprinkle with flour and cook, whisking for 2 minutes. Gradually stir in the broth, whisking until smooth. Add the cream and bring to a boil.

Pour the zucchini mixture into the casserole dish. Sprinkle with the rice, then the cheese. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the rice is tender and the cheese is golden.


Per serving: 211 calories, 6 grams protein, 13 grams fat (percent calories from fat, 54), 19 grams carbohydrates, 38 milligrams cholesterol, 827 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.

Mom's notes: This recipe is easier than it might seem, I usually stir the rice and cheese into the zucchini mixture before baking. It also makes really good leftovers! It's a good recipe for potluck dinners.