Crispy Tomato Pie

$To make the Crispy Tomato Pie, start with fresh tomatoes. You need: - 2 cups fresh tomatoes, sliced - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped Fresh tomatoes give the pie a bright flavor. Use ripe, juicy ones for the best taste. Basil adds a nice herbal note and freshness. Cheese plays a big role in this dish. For this recipe, you will use: - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a creamy texture. Feta adds a salty kick that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes. You can mix different cheeses too, if you like. The dry mix is the base of the pie. Gather these items: - 1 cup flour - ½ cup cornmeal - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - Zest of 1 lemon This blend gives the pie its crispy crust. The cornmeal adds crunch, while the garlic and lemon zest enhance the overall flavor. Don't forget to whisk them well to combine! For the full recipe, follow the detailed steps and enjoy making this delightful dish. First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps make the crust crispy. Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a cast-iron skillet with olive oil. This step stops the pie from sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use a whisk to blend these dry ingredients well. This mix gives the pie a great base. Take another bowl, and mix olive oil, buttermilk, and lemon zest. Stir until these wet ingredients blend smoothly together. This mix adds moisture and flavor to the pie. Slowly pour the wet mix into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. The batter will be thick and lumpy. Spread this batter evenly in the prepared dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Now, layer the sliced tomatoes on top of the batter. Make sure the tomatoes cover the crust completely. Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and crumbled feta cheese over the tomatoes. Finish by adding the chopped basil. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it. The crust should be golden brown, and the cheese should bubble. Once done, take the pie out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle balsamic glaze on top just before serving to enhance the flavor. This process turns fresh ingredients into a crispy delight that you will love. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To get a crispy crust, use a cast-iron skillet. The heat from cast iron helps crisp the bottom. Preheat the skillet in the oven before adding the batter. This step gives the crust a good start. Mix cornmeal into the dough for added crunch. It makes a big difference in texture. Also, don't forget to spread the batter evenly. An even layer helps it cook well. To elevate the taste, use fresh herbs like basil. I love adding lemon zest for a bright kick. You can also experiment with different cheeses. A mix of mozzarella and feta gives a nice balance. If you want extra flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. Drizzling balsamic glaze just before serving adds a sweet touch. These little tweaks make the pie pop with flavor. One common mistake is using too many wet ingredients. This can make the crust soggy. Stick to the right amounts in the recipe. Another mistake is not letting the pie cool before slicing. If you cut too soon, it may fall apart. Lastly, avoid overcrowding the pie with toppings. Too many toppings can weigh it down. Stick to the recipe for the best results. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in your crispy tomato pie. Try using gouda or cheddar for a bolder taste. Both melt well and add creaminess. If you want a sharp flavor, consider aged provolone. For a lighter option, use ricotta or cottage cheese. These cheeses can give a nice twist to the pie. Adding protein boosts the flavor and makes the dish heartier. Cooked bacon or sausage crumbles work great. They add a smoky taste that pairs well with tomatoes. If you prefer a healthier option, try cooked chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian choice, add chickpeas or lentils. These options can make your pie more filling. Herbs and spices can change the flavor profile of your pie. Instead of basil, use oregano or thyme for a different taste. These herbs bring their own unique flavors to the dish. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or dill to find your favorite combination. Store any leftover crispy tomato pie in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. This keeps it fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. You can freeze crispy tomato pie for up to 3 months. First, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn. When ready to eat, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for 1 to 2 minutes. However, the oven keeps the crust crispy best. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. Make sure to drain them well. Canned tomatoes can add a nice, juicy flavor. However, fresh tomatoes give a better texture and taste. If you use canned, choose high-quality ones for the best flavor. Crispy Tomato Pie pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - A fresh green salad - Garlic bread or breadsticks - Roasted vegetables - A light soup, like tomato or minestrone These sides bring out the dish’s flavors and add balance to your meal. Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well in baking. Just ensure the blend you choose can hold moisture. This way, you keep the pie’s lovely texture and taste. You learned about making a Crispy Tomato Pie, from fresh ingredients to cooking tips. We covered the best cheese choices and how to craft the perfect crust. I shared ways to add flavor and avoid mistakes. You can also explore variations and storage options for leftovers. Remember, follow the steps closely for great results. Enjoy your cooking journey and share this pie with family and friends!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of a Crispy Tomato Pie! This recipe features fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tangy feta all baked to perfection in a golden crust. Perfect for a summer meal or as an appetizer, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a flavorful pie that everyone will love. Click through to explore the recipe and elevate your cooking game!

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients

2 cups fresh tomatoes, sliced

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 cup flour

½ cup cornmeal

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk alternative)

1 tablespoon garlic powder

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling)

Method

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a cast-iron skillet with olive oil.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until well blended.

In another bowl, combine olive oil, buttermilk, and lemon zest. Mix until combined.

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The mixture will be thick and lumpy.

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pie dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Layer the sliced tomatoes evenly on top of the batter, ensuring they cover the crust entirely.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and crumbled feta cheese generously over the tomatoes, followed by the chopped basil.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving for added flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6