Kolokythopita
Kolokythopita is a traditional greek pie, which has as its main ingredient in the filling pumpkin, or zucchini. Its name is a compound word which derives from "kolokýthi,", or "kolokytha" and "pita". It is generally served as a snack or as an hors d'œuvre.
It is prepared with either a ready-made filo, or handmade filo, as a tart, or without any filo at all, by using porridge instead. The usual version is the vegan version, however additional ingredients may also be added, such as cheese, milk, eggs, and herbs. Kolokythopita is prepared in different shapes, and can be round, twisted, or square, it can also be made into a large pie or as individual small pies. Each region of the country has its own variations of this pie, where local ingredients are added.
The basic ingredients for the filling of sweet kolokythopita in its simple, vegan version are yellow pumpkins, raisins, crushed walnuts, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and sugar or honey. The ingredients for the filling of savory kolokythopita are zucchini, herbs, onion, grated tomatoes, tomato sauce or paste, olive oil, salt and pepper. To bind the filling and prevent the bottom leaves from drying out, flour, trachanas, rice, etc. may be used. To make the leaves fluffier, a little carbonated water may be added on the top of the leaves before baking.