Italian > Rustic Italian

Rustic Italian Tomato Pie Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 4 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch pie dish

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the pie crust and place it in the pie dish.
3. Layer the sliced tomatoes in the pie crust.
4. Sprinkle the chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper over the tomatoes.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the top.
6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
7. Fold the edges of the pie crust over the filling.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
9. Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 220
- Total fat: 14g
- Saturated fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 360mg
- Total carbohydrates: 17g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 7g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pie crust: use a homemade crust or a gluten-free crust
- Tomatoes: use any variety of ripe tomatoes
- Basil: use dried basil instead of fresh
- Mozzarella cheese: use any type of shredded cheese
- Parmesan cheese: use Romano cheese instead

Variations:
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers to the filling
- Use a mixture of different types of tomatoes for a colorful pie
- Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the filling for a heartier pie

Tips and tricks:
- Use a sharp knife to slice the tomatoes evenly
- Blot the sliced tomatoes with a paper towel to remove excess moisture
- Brush the edges of the pie crust with an egg wash for a shiny finish
- Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the filling from spilling out

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pie on a platter with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad of mixed greens and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken or shrimp

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
- If the filling is too watery, drain the sliced tomatoes on a paper towel before assembling the pie.

Food safety advice:
- Wash your hands and all utensils before handling food.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
- Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Food history:
- Tomato pies are a popular dish in Southern Italy, where tomatoes are a staple ingredient in many dishes.

Flavor profiles:
- The pie has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. The cheese adds a creamy and salty flavor to the dish.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pie as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
- Cut into smaller pieces and serve as an appetizer or party food.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Herby, Tangy, Cheesy, Tomato, Rustic, Tomato-Y