Mediterranean Vegetable Pie

This is a rather Turkish pie. Did we know that the word 'turquoise' comes from the word 'Turk' meaning Turkish. This is derived from the beautiful jewel-like colour of the Mediterranean sea on the South Turkish coast. I have always found the word 'Mediterranean' hauntingly enigmatic. Its like there is a story in every shore, and honestly so it is. Every city the sea has allowed to park is a beautiful destination. The magic is everlasting.

I am calling this dish a pie though it is not a true-blue one. The base is made with potatoes. So you can change the name if you feel you are cheating.

Like most pies, this too has a base, but the base is made with potatoes. For a serving of around 4, take 3 large potatoes, wash them well and make slices. Brush the slices with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper exactly in that order. Line them up on a baking try and bake for 8 mins. Then set them aside. I did not bother to skin the potatoes. 

Next grind the following spices in a small grinder to make a powder. And once again keep the powder aside.

1 tsp dry ginger, 5 peppercorns, a pinch of nutmeg, a pinch of mace, seeds of 1 large cardamom, 1 inch stick of cinnamon, 4 cloves, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 3/4 tsp coriander powder and salt to taste. 

In a warm wok with 4 tbsp of warm olive oil,  toss in 2 small chopped onions, 4 chopped pods of garlic and 1/2 inch of chopped ginger. Cook till light golden brown. Now add 3 cups of chopped carrot, peppers, beans and cauliflower. Allow the vegetable to become soft and cooked but keep the crunchiness. Now add the spice powder mix. A romantic fragrance will waft through your kitchen. Enjoy. In about 4 mins, add 1/2 a cup of white wine and a handful of good quality raisins. You can use prunes instead. Now add a bunch of chopped washed spinach and cook for 4 mins. Lastly throw in a handful of chopped walnuts. Taste for salt. Remove from heat. 

This is your filling. Layer your base dish with the grilled potatoes. Next fill up with the vegetable filler.  

By now your oven should be pre-heated. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 mins. Serve hot after sprinkling some pomegranate.

Enjoy this aromatic brilliance!