Cheesy Mediterranean Shavuot Pie

Some dishes are simply inseparable from a holiday. In our home, Shavuot does not truly begin without this Mediterranean pie. Every year, someone inevitably asks a few days before Yom Tov, “You are making the pie, right?”

And once it comes out of the oven, filling the house with the aroma of buttery pastry, melted cheese, roasted vegetables, and olives, there is always someone waiting nearby hoping to grab a slice before it even reaches the holiday table.

This pie has everything you want for Shavuot: rich flavor, creamy cheeses, flaky pastry, and the perfect balance of savory Mediterranean flavors. Best of all, it looks elegant and impressive, but is surprisingly simple to prepare.

A Festive Mediterranean Pie for Shavuot

Ingredients

For the Crust

2 cups all purpose flour
7 oz (200 g) soft butter, cubed
1 egg
3 tablespoons cold water
1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

1 eggplant, cut into cubes and lightly sautéed
1 red bell pepper, sliced and lightly sautéed
Fresh basil leaves from about 3 stems, sliced
Kalamata olives, sliced
2 eggs
Feta cheese, cubed
1 cup (250 ml) cooking cream
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

How to Make It

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the flour and butter until the mixture becomes soft and crumbly. Add the egg, cold water, and salt, then mix gently just until a smooth dough forms.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Roll out the dough and carefully press it into a pie or tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork and place the crust in the freezer for another hour.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Bake the crust for about 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and cooking cream. Season with salt and black pepper.

Assembling the Pie

Spread the eggplant, red pepper, olives, basil, and feta evenly over the baked crust.

Pour the egg and cream mixture over the filling and return the pie to the oven.

Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is beautifully golden.

A Simple Tip for the Perfect Shavuot Table

This Mediterranean pie pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, antipasti, or creamy dips. It is delicious served warm straight from the oven, but tastes just as wonderful at room temperature, making it perfect for a relaxed Shavuot meal or buffet.