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To make Dave’s Tomato Pie, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in crafting this tasty dish. Here’s what you’ll need: - 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 - Olive oil for drizzling - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients blend together to create a pie bursting with flavor. The ripe tomatoes add sweetness, while the cheese gives a rich and creamy taste. Fresh basil leaves brighten the dish. Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Always choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Fresh basil is key too. It adds a lovely aroma and taste to the pie. You can find the full recipe in the article. This pie is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Enjoy the process of making it! - Mixing flour and salt: Start by taking a large bowl. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir them together well. This mix is the base of the crust. - Incorporating butter and water: Next, add 1/2 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour. It should feel like coarse crumbs. Slowly add 1/4 cup of ice water, mixing until the dough forms. - Chilling the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the crust become flaky. - Slicing and salting tomatoes: While the dough chills, take 4 large ripe tomatoes. Slice them thinly and lay them on a paper towel. Sprinkle salt on them to draw out moisture. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. - Preheating the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key for a perfect bake. - Rolling out the dough: Once the dough is chilled, place it on a floured surface. Roll it out to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the dish, pushing it into the sides. Trim any excess hanging over. - Layering filling ingredients: Start with 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Spread it evenly over the crust. Layer half of the sliced tomatoes over this. Next, sprinkle half of 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half of 1/2 cup of chopped basil. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients. - Seasoning the top: In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mix over the top layer. - Baking time and temperature: Drizzle a little olive oil on top of the pie. Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbly cheese. - Cooling and serving tips: Once baked, take the pie out of the oven. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing. This will make it look lovely and fresh. You can find the full recipe for Dave’s Tomato Pie in the ingredients section. To make a great pie crust, you need the right texture. Start with chilled butter. The cold butter keeps the crust flaky. When you mix flour and salt, rub in the butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. This is key for a nice texture. For a flaky crust, handle the dough gently. Overworking it makes it tough. After mixing, wrap the dough and chill it. This helps it relax. Roll it out on a floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Adding herbs and spices makes the pie pop. Fresh basil is a must, but you can add others too. Try oregano or thyme for more depth. When it comes to tomatoes, fresh is best. Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for rich flavor. If fresh tomatoes are hard to find, canned ones work too. Look for whole peeled tomatoes with no added flavors. To complement Dave's Tomato Pie, serve a simple salad. A fresh green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables for a heartier side. For drinks, a light white wine works well. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled Pinot Grigio pairs nicely. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with lemon. It refreshes the palate beautifully. Explore the Full Recipe for all the steps to create this delicious meal! {{image_2}} You can make Dave's Tomato Pie even more delightful with seasonal vegetables. Think about adding zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. These veggies bring fresh flavors and colors. You can layer them between the cheese and tomatoes for a tasty twist. Different cheese combinations also enhance the pie. Try using goat cheese or feta for a tangy bite. Mixing cheeses can create depth and richness. Each cheese adds its own flavor, making every slice unique. If you enjoy meat, there are many ways to add protein. Incorporating cooked meats like sausage or ham can add a savory touch. Chop them into small pieces and layer them between the tomatoes and cheese. You can also use different proteins like chicken or bacon. Shredded chicken lends a mild flavor, while crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch. Both options work well with the fresh tomatoes and cheese. For those who need gluten-free options, you can easily swap out the flour. Use gluten-free flour blends that are designed for baking. These blends usually provide a similar texture to traditional flour. Adjusting the crust consistency is key. You may need to add extra water or fat. This ensures the dough holds together well. Follow the same steps for mixing and chilling the dough from the Full Recipe to keep it simple. To keep your Dave’s Tomato Pie fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This method helps prevent it from drying out. The pie stays good for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. Slice the pie into pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This double wrap protects it from freezer burn. You can freeze the pie for up to three months. To enjoy your pie again, proper reheating is key. The oven is the best method for maintaining texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Place a slice of pie on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. The crust may get softer, but the pie will still taste good. Dave’s Tomato Pie lasts about three days in the fridge. After that, it may start to lose flavor and texture. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for mold or an off smell. If the pie looks or smells bad, it’s best to throw it away. Enjoy your delicious pie while it lasts! Dave's Tomato Pie is a savory dish that features fresh tomatoes, cheese, and a flaky crust. Its roots trace back to the Northeast of the U.S., particularly New Jersey. This pie uses simple ingredients, yet packs a punch with flavor. The fresh tomatoes shine through, making it a summer favorite when tomatoes are at their peak ripeness. Yes, you can prepare Dave's Tomato Pie in advance. To do this, make the crust and filling as usual. Assemble the pie but do not bake it right away. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When ready, just pop it in the oven for baking. This pie pairs well with a simple side salad. A light arugula salad with lemon dressing works great. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables or a bowl of soup. A glass of chilled white wine complements the dish nicely too. For a vegan version, substitute the cheese with dairy-free alternatives. Use cashew cheese or a plant-based ricotta for a creamy texture. You can also swap out the butter in the crust for coconut oil or a vegan butter. This way, you can enjoy the dish without dairy. You can find Dave's Tomato Pie in many local pizzerias, especially in New Jersey. Some restaurants even ship their pies directly to you. You can also check online for recipes and make it at home using the Full Recipe. To keep your pie crust crispy, always salt and drain the tomatoes first. This helps remove excess moisture. Also, bake the pie at a high temperature to create a crisp crust. If you worry about sogginess, you can pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling. In this blog post, we explored how to make Dave’s Tomato Pie. We discussed the key ingredients, how to prepare the crust and filling, and the best baking methods. I shared tips to perfect your pie, suggested tasty variations, and included storage advice. Making this dish can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy each slice you create, and don't hesitate to experiment with new flavors. Your kitchen adventures can lead to delicious meals!

Dave’s Tomato Pie

Discover the deliciousness of Dave's Tomato Pie with this easy recipe that highlights fresh ingredients and simple steps. This savory pie features layers of ripe tomatoes, creamy ricotta, and mozzarella, all nestled in a flaky homemade crust. Perfect for a summer gathering or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
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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
 

Make the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Add the cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

    Prepare the Filling: While the dough chills, slice the tomatoes and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit on a paper towel for about 15 minutes to absorb excess moisture.

      Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

        Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

          Layer the Ingredients: Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the crust. Layer half of the sliced tomatoes over the ricotta. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top, followed by half of the chopped basil. Repeat the layers with the remaining tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

            Season the Pie: In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top layer of cheese and tomatoes.

              Bake the Pie: Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the pie. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

                Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve warm on a wooden cutting board, sliced into wedges, and garnish with extra basil leaves for a fresh touch.