She Strengthens

Southern Comfort Food at Its Finest: Tomato Pie Recipe

A Carolina Classic Reborn

In the heart of the American South, particularly in the Carolinas, a culinary treasure has been hiding in plain sight. Tomato pie, a traditional dish with roots in 19th-century English cooking, is a delightful twist on comfort food that will surprise and satisfy even the most discerning palates.

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

This Southern-style tomato pie recipe combines the freshness of tomatoes, herbs, and cheddar cheese in a flaky crust, creating a truly unique and mouthwatering experience. To start, a prebaked pie crust is filled with a mixture of sautéed onions, chopped fresh tomatoes, and a blend of mayonnaise and shredded orange cheddar cheese. The result is a savory masterpiece that will leave you craving for more.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

Make the Crust

Roll out the pie dough into a 12-inch round, 1/4 inch thick. Line a 9-inch pie plate with the dough, crimping the edges decoratively. Freeze for 20 minutes, then bake at 375°F for 15 minutes with pie weights or dried beans. Remove the weights and parchment paper, and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the crust is dry and lightly browned.

Prepare the Filling

Drain excess liquid from 3 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes by sprinkling them with salt and letting them stand for 30 minutes. In a frying pan, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and cook 1/2 medium yellow onion until golden, about 8 minutes. Add the cooked onion to the pie shell, spreading it evenly. Top with the drained tomatoes, sprinkling with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil.

The Final Touches

In a bowl, mix 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese with 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise. Dollop the cheese mixture over the tomatoes, spreading it evenly with your hands or a spoon. Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the pie stand for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Savor the Flavor

This Southern-style tomato pie recipe yields 6 servings and can be prepared in just 1 hour and 30 minutes, with 35 minutes of active cooking time. So go ahead, indulge in this comforting classic, and experience the rich flavors of the Carolinas.