Welcome to our kitchen, where we celebrate the joy of cooking and savoring homemade delights! Today, we’re diving into the world of tomato pie—a Southern classic that’s not only a breeze to make but also a crowd-pleaser for families like yours.
Recipe: Southern Tomato Pie
Ingredients:
– 1 (9 inch) deep dish pie crust
– 2 lbs tomatoes, sliced and drained
– 3 green onions, thinly sliced
– ½ cup chopped fresh basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Tomatoes: Slice tomatoes and let them drain in a colander with salt for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix green onions, basil, oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, Cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, and mayonnaise until well combined.
4. Assemble the Pie: Place the partially baked pie crust on a baking sheet. Layer drained tomatoes in the crust and spread the cheese and mayonnaise mixture evenly over them.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
6. Serve: Allow the tomato pie to cool before slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
Tomato pie is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving ideas and accompaniments:
– Brunch Delight: Serve tomato pie alongside a fresh fruit salad for a delightful brunch.
– Picnic Perfection: Pack slices of tomato pie for a picnic and pair it with cold lemonade or iced tea.
– Dinner Harmony: Complement your tomato pie with a crisp green salad and roasted vegetables for a wholesome dinner.
FAQ Section:
Q1: How is tomato pie different from pizza?
A1: While both tomato pie and pizza feature a crust and tomato-based topping, tomato pie tends to have a flakier, more pie-like crust and often incorporates a creamy, cheesy filling.
Q2: What is an original tomato pie?
A2: The original tomato pie, a Southern specialty, features ripe tomatoes, herbs, and a cheesy filling nestled in a pie crust. It’s a comforting dish that showcases the best of summer produce.
Q3: What do Italians call tomato pie?
A3: In Italy, a similar dish is known as “Pizza Rustica,” which translates to rustic or country-style pizza.
Q4: What city is famous for tomato pie?
A4: Philadelphia is renowned for its tomato pie, characterized by a thick crust, flavorful tomato topping, and absence of melted mozzarella.
Preserving Freshness: Temperature and Storage Tips:
Ensure your tomato pie remains as delightful as the first bite with these guidelines for temperature and storage:
Temperature:
– Indulge in the rich flavors of your tomato pie by serving it warm.
– For reheating, place individual slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Storage:
– Keep leftovers fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Freeze slices for extended storage, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Find more food safety insights at the USDA’s FoodKeeper App
Homegrown Harvest: Creative Ways with Fresh Tomatoes:
Make the most of your garden’s tomato bounty with these inventive ideas:
Tomato Salad Refresh:
– Craft a vibrant tomato salad featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a balsamic vinaigrette drizzle.
– Elevate salads like couscous or quinoa with diced tomatoes for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Homemade Tomato Sauce Mastery:
– Dive into crafting your own tomato sauce for pasta dishes or pizza. Simmer tomatoes with garlic, onions, and herbs for an aromatic delight.
Tomato Jam Exploration:
– Transform surplus tomatoes into a sweet and savory jam, perfect as a condiment or glaze for grilled meats.
Discover more garden-to-table inspiration at [Better Homes & Gardens’ Guide to Home Gardening](https://www.bhg.com/gardening/vegetable/).
Tomato Pie Variations: Putting Your Spin on the Classic:
Explore creative twists on the traditional tomato pie, allowing your culinary imagination to flourish:
Caprese Inspired:
– Layer tomato slices, fresh mozzarella, and basil for a Caprese-inspired tomato pie.
Mediterranean Delight:
– Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean flair.
Spicy Southwest Kick:
– Infuse your pie with diced jalapeños, black beans, and a touch of cumin for a spicy Southwest twist.
Experiment with these variations to create a tomato pie uniquely tailored to your taste preferences!FoodSafety.gov
FoodKeeper App
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA)
The FoodKeeper can help consumers use food while at peak quality and reduce waste and understand food and beverages storage.
Instacart Magic: Grocery Shopping Redefined:
Turn your kitchen into a stage for culinary brilliance with the magic of Instacart:
Time-Saving Elegance:
– Wave goodbye to grocery store queues. Instacart brings fresh ingredients for your tomato pie directly to your doorstep, saving you precious time.
Delivery at Your Tempo:
– Set the rhythm of your day by choosing a delivery time that syncs seamlessly with your schedule.
Discover Local Flavors:
– Embark on a treasure hunt for specialty ingredients from local stores, all within the Instacart universe.
Experience the joy of effortless grocery shopping with Instacart and let the culinary adventures unfold in your kitchen!
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this tomato pie recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite for your family. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of homemade goodness with every bite!
Southern Tomato Pie
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- - 1 9 inch deep dish pie crust
- - 2 lbs tomatoes sliced and drained
- - 3 green onions thinly sliced
- - ½ cup chopped fresh basil
- - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- - 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- **Preheat the Oven:** Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- **Prepare Tomatoes:** Slice tomatoes and let them drain in a colander with salt for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- **Prepare the Filling:** In a separate bowl, mix green onions, basil, oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, Cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, and mayonnaise until well combined.
- **Assemble the Pie:** Place the partially baked pie crust on a baking sheet. Layer drained tomatoes in the crust and spread the cheese and mayonnaise mixture evenly over them.
- **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- **Serve:** Allow the tomato pie to cool before slicing.
