Are you craving a taste of summer that's both comforting and bursting with flavor? Then look no further than this delicious Southern-style tomato pie, inspired by the queen of Southern cooking herself, Paula Deen! This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, showcasing the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes in a creamy, dreamy custard base. It's surprisingly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a delightful addition to your weekend brunch. This recipe offers a healthy twist on a classic, making it a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 cups fresh, ripe tomatoes, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced tomatoes, onion, and basil with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This simple step helps to infuse the tomatoes with flavor.
Assemble the Pie:
- Carefully place the pie crust in the prepared pie plate. Pour the tomato mixture evenly over the crust.
Make the Custard:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture will bind everything together beautifully.
Bake to Perfection:
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Pour the egg mixture over the tomatoes in the pie crust. Make sure it's evenly distributed.
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Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the tomato pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the custard to fully set and prevents a messy pie!
Tips for the Best Tomato Pie:
- Choose the right tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Roma tomatoes work well due to their meaty texture, but you can certainly experiment with other varieties.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry pie. Start checking for doneness around the 45-minute mark. A gentle jiggle should show just a slight wobble in the center.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other herbs and spices to customize the flavor. A sprinkle of oregano or thyme would be delicious additions.
Variations:
- Spicy Tomato Pie: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture for a little kick.
- Vegetarian Tomato Pie: Substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative for a vegetarian option.
- Cheesy Tomato Pie: Increase the amount of Parmesan cheese or add other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350
- Fat: 20-25g
- Protein: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner idea, a healthy meal option, and showcases the best of homemade cooking and delicious dishes. Enjoy this taste of summer sunshine!