Are you craving a comforting, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than Utica Tomato Pie! This iconic dish from Central New York is a delicious blend of rich tomato sauce, tangy ricotta cheese, and a perfectly flaky crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe will guide you to create a truly unforgettable Utica Tomato Pie. This recipe is perfect for those searching for easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes one 9-inch pie.
For the Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Filling:
- Sauté garlic: Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine filling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed garlic, crushed tomatoes, ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer to pie plate: Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Add the filling: Pour the tomato filling into the pie crust.
- Top with mozzarella (optional): If using, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool: Let the pie cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
- You can substitute part-skim ricotta cheese for a slightly healthier option.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on ingredients used)
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Utica Tomato Pie recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this homemade cooking experience and share this delicious dish with your loved ones. It's one of the best recipes you'll find for a quick and easy dinner. This easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite!