This elegant yet rustic Zucchini-and-Basil Filo is a delightful appetizer that balances crispy, buttery pastry with a moist, herbaceous filling. The zucchini is grated and sautéed with red onion, garlic, and fresh basil, then bound with eggs and cheeses for a rich texture. Layered between delicate sheets of filo dough, it bakes into a golden, flaky masterpiece. Ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a sophisticated starter, this dish brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your table. It’s versatile enough to be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for entertaining.
Zucchini-And-Basil Filo
Description
This elegant yet rustic Zucchini-and-Basil Filo is a delightful appetizer that balances crispy, buttery pastry with a moist, herbaceous filling. The zucchini is grated and sautéed with red onion, garlic, and fresh basil, then bound with eggs and cheeses for a rich texture. Layered between delicate sheets of filo dough, it bakes into a golden, flaky masterpiece. Ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a sophisticated starter, this dish brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your table. It's versatile enough to be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for entertaining.Ingredients
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Remove the filo pastry from the freezer and let it thaw to room temperature while preparing the filling. Keep the sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying.
-
Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater or in a food processor. Toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let sit for 30 minutes.
-
Place the salted zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove all excess moisture.
-
Spread pine nuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-8 minutes until golden. Remove and chop finely.
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.
-
Add the drained zucchini to the skillet. Season with black pepper and cook for another 4 minutes.
-
Stir in minced garlic, chopped basil, minced parsley, and white wine (or water). Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
-
In a bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in grated Parmesan and crumbled Feta cheese. Fold in the cooled vegetable mixture. Check seasoning and adjust if needed.
-
Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with melted butter. Lay one sheet of filo pastry in the dish, trimming if necessary. Brush with butter.
-
Repeat layering filo sheets, brushing each with butter, until you have used about half of the sheets.
-
Sprinkle half of the toasted pine nuts over the filo layers.
-
Spread the zucchini filling evenly over the pastry.
-
Layer the remaining filo sheets over the filling, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
-
Sprinkle the remaining pine nuts over the top layer.
-
Using a sharp knife, cut the assembled pastry into 3-inch squares, then cut each square diagonally to make diamonds. Ensure you cut through all layers.
-
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the pastry is deep golden brown and crisp.
-
Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 170.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10.4g16%
- Saturated Fat 2.3g12%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 2489.8mg104%
- Total Carbohydrate 18.5g7%
- Dietary Fiber 2.7g11%
- Sugars 8.9g
- Protein 3.0g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.