Tomato pie. The name itself might raise an eyebrow for the uninitiated. Pie, after all, is often associated with sweet fillings – apples, berries, pecans. But prepare to have your culinary horizons broadened, because tomato pie is a revelation, especially when the summer harvest is at its peak and your garden (or the farmer’s market) is overflowing with ripe, juicy tomatoes. This isn’t your grandma’s dessert pie; this is a savory masterpiece, a delightful combination of fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, creamy mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar, all baked in a flaky crust.
My introduction to this Southern delicacy was as serendipitous as it was delicious. Vacations are wonderful for many reasons, but one of the unsung joys is the culinary discoveries they often bring. During a recent trip, I had the pleasure of meeting friends of friends, and as is often the case with good company, food became the centerpiece of our gathering. That’s when I encountered tomato pie for the first time. “Tomato pie?” I remember thinking, a little puzzled. The words just didn’t compute in my dessert-centric pie brain. But one bite was all it took to erase any doubt and ignite an immediate craving for the recipe. Lucky for me, the gracious cook, a culinary whiz named Diane (or Lady Di as she’s affectionately known), scribbled down the recipe on Post-it notes right there at the dinner table. It was the first dish I made the moment I returned home, eager to recreate that unforgettable savory pie experience.
Think of it as a delightful culinary mashup. Imagine the comforting familiarity of pizza, the gooey, cheesy goodness of cheesy bread, and then picture them both coming together in the form of a pie. That’s tomato pie in a nutshell. It’s rustic, it’s flavorful, and it’s incredibly easy to adapt to your own tastes and what you have on hand.
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Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
The Beauty of Garden Fresh Tomatoes in a Pie
Tomato pie is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of summer’s bounty. It’s the perfect way to use up those garden tomatoes that are ripening faster than you can eat them. This savory pie filling is a simple yet brilliant combination: slices of fresh, ripe tomatoes layered with fragrant basil and a creamy, tangy mixture of mayonnaise and shredded cheese. The seemingly unusual addition of mayonnaise is actually culinary genius. The egg in the mayonnaise acts as a binder, holding all those juicy tomatoes together beautifully as the pie bakes. It creates a creamy, almost custard-like texture that perfectly complements the acidity of the tomatoes and the sharpness of the cheese.
Lady Di’s recipe, passed down on those now-treasured Post-it notes, was wonderfully flexible. It was a recipe that encouraged improvisation, a “handful of this, handful of that” kind of approach. While I’ve provided measurements here to guide you, the beauty of tomato pie is its forgiving nature. Feel free to adjust the cheese blend to your liking – cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a bit of Parmesan would be delicious. Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs too. While basil is traditional and wonderful, oregano, thyme, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a unique twist.
For the crust, I opted for homemade pie crust for that extra touch of rustic charm. However, let’s be honest, during the busy summer months, convenience is key. A good quality store-bought pie crust works perfectly well and will save you valuable time without sacrificing flavor.
Want to make it even heartier? Consider adding a cup of fresh corn kernels to the filling for a touch of sweetness and texture. Or, for a more substantial pie, sauté some small-diced eggplant until lightly browned and softened, then incorporate it into the tomato mixture. These additions make it a more complete meal and showcase the versatility of this fantastic savory pie.
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Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Tomato pie is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the taste of summer, the joy of sharing good food with friends, and the satisfaction of creating something incredibly delicious with simple, fresh ingredients. So, embrace the season, gather your ripe tomatoes, and bake up a Pioneer Woman inspired tomato pie. You might just find it becomes your new favorite way to enjoy summer’s most beloved fruit.
