Description
Savory Italian cheese and tomato pie delivers Mediterranean sunshine on a plate. Fresh ingredients and simple preparation make this classic dish a delightful culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 2 large tomatoes
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Liquid Ingredients:
- 4 – 5 tablespoons ice water
Instructions
- Craft the pastry by blending flour and salt in a mixing bowl, incorporating cold butter until it resembles grainy texture. Introduce ice water gradually, kneading until dough forms cohesively. Shape into a compact disc, encase in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Heat oven to 375F (190C) with rack positioned in center position.
- Arrange tomato slices on paper towel-lined tray, sprinkle with salt, allowing moisture to drain for 15 minutes.
- Dust work surface with flour, gently roll pastry into circular shape matching 9-inch pie dish dimensions. Carefully transfer dough, trim edges, and perforate bottom using fork.
- Pre-bake crust for 10-12 minutes until achieving delicate golden hue.
- Combine mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, minced garlic, oregano, and basil in separate container. Distribute cheese blend evenly across pre-baked crust.
- Thoroughly blot tomato slices with fresh paper towels, artfully layer atop cheese mixture. Drizzle olive oil across surface.
- Roast pie for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts dramatically and tomatoes caramelize slightly.
- Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves across surface before presenting.
Notes
- Drain tomatoes thoroughly to prevent a soggy crust, using paper towels and salt to draw out excess moisture before layering.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like fontina or gouda for unique flavor profiles while maintaining the classic Italian essence.
- Make the pie gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring the crust remains crispy and flavorful.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and chill the dough overnight to develop deeper, more complex flavors in the crust and enhance overall texture.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 222 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg