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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed - 1/4 cup ice water - 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for drizzling - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Choosing the best tomatoes Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Look for tomatoes that feel heavy for their size. Their skin should be smooth and slightly shiny. Heirloom tomatoes work great, but any good quality tomatoes will do. Avoid tomatoes that are soft or have blemishes, as they won't taste as good. Fresh vs. dried basil Fresh basil gives a bright and lively taste to the pie. It adds a nice aroma and flavor to each bite. If fresh basil is not available, dried basil can work in a pinch. However, dried basil is stronger, so use less. Fresh basil is always the better choice for this dish. Remember, the quality of your ingredients matters. They help make Dave’s Tomato Pie a true delight. For the full recipe, be sure to check the details above. 1. Mixing the flour and salt: Start by taking a large bowl. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix them together well to combine. 2. Working in the butter: Next, add 1/2 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter. Mix until the texture looks like coarse crumbs. 3. Chilling the dough: Gradually add 1/4 cup of ice water, mixing gently. When the dough comes together, shape it into a disc. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. 1. Slicing and salting the tomatoes: While the dough chills, slice 4 large ripe tomatoes into thick rounds. Place them on paper towels. Lightly sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture. 2. Reducing moisture for a better pie: By salting the tomatoes, you prevent a soggy crust. This step is key for a great pie. 1. Rolling out the dough: After 30 minutes, remove the dough from the fridge. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. It should fit into your 9-inch pie dish. 2. Layering the ingredients: Place the rolled dough into the dish. Spread 1 cup of ricotta cheese evenly across the bottom. Then, layer half of the sliced tomatoes, followed by half of 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half of 1/2 cup of chopped basil leaves. Repeat this with the remaining ingredients. 3. Baking the pie and checking doneness: Drizzle olive oil over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 35-40 minutes. Check for a golden brown crust and bubbling cheese. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Enjoy the steps and look forward to serving a delicious Dave’s Tomato Pie! To prevent a soggy bottom, always salt your tomatoes. This helps draw out extra moisture. Place sliced tomatoes on paper towels for about 15 minutes. This step is key for a crisp crust. If you want alternatives to traditional pie crust, consider using puff pastry or a biscuit base. These options can add unique textures and flavors to your pie. You can add herbs and spices to boost the taste. Fresh basil is fantastic, but you can also try oregano or thyme. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. For a richer taste, cheese selection is important. Use a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for depth. Ricotta gives a creamy layer that balances the flavors. Serve Dave's Tomato Pie warm on a rustic wooden board. Slice it into wedges for easy sharing. This makes it feel homemade and inviting. Garnishing is vital for visual appeal. Top the pie with fresh basil leaves just before serving. This adds color and a fresh aroma that everyone will love. {{image_4}} For a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free pie crust mix. Many brands offer ready-made mixes that taste great. If you prefer to make your own, use a blend of rice flour, almond flour, and tapioca flour. This keeps the crust light and tasty. For a vegan twist, swap out the cheeses. Use cashew cheese or tofu instead. These options give a creamy texture without dairy. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor. As the seasons change, so can your tomato pie! In spring, add fresh asparagus or zucchini. Summer is perfect for sweet peppers or corn. In fall, try roasted squash or kale. Each vegetable brings its unique taste. You can also add proteins. Chicken or crumbled bacon can enhance the flavor. Grilled shrimp adds a seafood touch. These proteins make the pie more filling and hearty. Dave's Tomato Pie pairs well with simple side dishes. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables work nicely. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a complete meal. For drinks, a light white wine or sparkling water complements the pie. I enjoy pairing it with lemonade for a refreshing twist. These options enhance the meal and make it more enjoyable. To keep your leftover pie fresh, place it in the fridge. Use an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps keep moisture in while keeping other fridge smells out. Leftovers stay good for about three days. You can also freeze the pie for later. Slice it first for easy portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can grab a slice anytime. The pie freezes well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your pie again, reheating is key. The oven works best for this. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's warm all the way through. To avoid a soggy crust, do not use the microwave. The oven keeps the crust crisp, which is what you want. Enjoy every slice as if it just came out of the oven! Dave's Tomato Pie is a delicious dish that features a buttery crust filled with fresh tomatoes, cheese, and herbs. It stands out with its rich flavors and simple ingredients. The pie has a flaky crust that holds layers of ripe tomatoes, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. Each bite offers a burst of tomato goodness, enhanced by fresh basil and garlic. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or cozy dinners. You can find Dave's Tomato Pie at local pizzerias or specialty shops. Some farmers' markets also sell this unique pie. If you live near a community that loves tomato pie, check local bakeries or Italian eateries. Online services may offer delivery options as well. Always ask for recommendations from friends or food blogs to discover the best spots. To make Dave's Tomato Pie ahead of time, prepare the crust and filling separately. You can roll out the crust and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Slice the tomatoes and layer them in the pie dish without baking. Cover it and keep it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it as per the recipe. Consider the flavor when making it ahead. The tomatoes may release moisture, so salting them helps. This keeps the crust crisp even after a day in the fridge. Yes, you can customize the filling to suit your taste. Try adding roasted red peppers, olives, or different cheeses like goat cheese or feta. You can also mix in cooked vegetables, like zucchini or spinach, for extra nutrition. Want a spicy kick? Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative! In this blog post, we explored the essential ingredients for Dave's Tomato Pie. You learned how to make the perfect crust and delicious filling. We shared important tips for enhancing flavor and perfecting your pie. You also discovered variations and storage tips to keep your pie fresh. Overall, Dave's Tomato Pie is simple to make and customizable. Enjoy making this dish that’s sure to impress. Your delicious tomato pie awaits you, so get started in your kitchen!

Dave’s Tomato Pie

Discover the mouthwatering delight of Dave’s Delightful Tomato Pie! This savory recipe combines fresh tomatoes, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella for a perfect slice of heaven. With a flaky crust and aromatic basil, it's sure to impress. Whether it's a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this pie will be the star of the table. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this delicious dish!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

1/4 cup ice water

4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil for drizzling

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pie Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.

    Prepare the Tomato Filling: While the dough is chilling, slice the tomatoes into thick rounds and place them on a layer of paper towels. Sprinkle them lightly with salt and allow them to rest for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which helps prevent a soggy pie.

      Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.

        Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle that is about 1/8 inch thick and large enough to fit your 9-inch pie dish. Gently transfer the rolled dough to the dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

          Layer the Filling Ingredients: Spread the ricotta cheese evenly across the bottom of the prepared crust. Arrange half of the sliced tomatoes over the ricotta layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by half of the chopped basil leaves. Repeat the layering process with the remaining tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, creating a beautiful, colorful stack.

            Season the Pie: In a small mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix generously over the top layer of cheese and tomatoes to infuse flavor throughout the pie.

              Bake to Perfection: Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top of the pie for extra richness. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

                Cool and Garnish: Once baked, carefully remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to set. Just before serving, adorn the top with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

                  Prep Time: 30 min | Total Time: 1 hr 15 min | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the pie warm on a rustic wooden cutting board or a decorative plate, sliced into wedges. Garnish with extra basil leaves for a vibrant, inviting touch that complements the dish's flavors.