Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further than this savory green tomato pie! This recipe transforms often-overlooked green tomatoes into a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that’s both delicious and healthy. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unique and unforgettable pie!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields a 9-inch pie. Adjust ingredient quantities accordingly for larger or smaller pies.
- Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
- Filling:
- 4 medium green tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced green tomatoes, onion, garlic, cheddar cheese, parsley, and chives. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Pour the beaten egg and milk/cream over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Let the pie cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Savory Green Tomato Pie:
- For an even crispier crust, you can pre-bake it for 10-12 minutes before adding the filling.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses would also be delicious.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Savory Green Tomato Pie: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Savory Green Tomato Pie: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Meaty Savory Green Tomato Pie: Incorporate cooked ground beef, sausage, or bacon for a heartier pie.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Protein: Approximately 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This savory green tomato pie is a simple yet impressive dish that's perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas. It's a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy this often-underutilized ingredient. Enjoy!