Our little garden has done really well this year, so I've had to come up with different ways to use tomatoes, zuchinni and squash.
A friend told me about tomato pie a few years ago. Just a quick cut this, mix that sort of run down.
Said it was so easy no recipe was necessary.
Of course I didn't remember all the steps, so I googled it when I got home and ended up making Paula Deen's version.
Yummy, but oh so rich. Really rich. Then I read some of the comments in the review section.
Many people said they used much less mayonaise than called for.
So, when I made it again, I tried less mayo. Perfect.
It really is so easy you don't need a recipe, but here's how I make mine.
Pictured above is all you need, plus a pie crust. I buy the frozen kind, the ones with two in a pack. Make one pie to keep and one to share.
This recipe is for one pie.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cook the crust till slightly golden. You can do this while you are preparing the filling.
I peeled my tomatoes by dropping them in some very hot water for a few seconds.
The skin easily slides off.
Cut the tomatoes in half, remove the core and as much of the seeds as possible. Four or five large tomatoes for one pie.
Roughly chop them and place in a colander. Sprinkle with a little salt. Put the colander in the sink or on a towel to catch the juice.
You want to get as much of the water out of the tomato as possible so you pie won't be runny.
Cut 1/2 onion into very thin slices.
add the onion slices to the tomato.
Season as you like. I just use salt and pepper, but you could also add fresh basil or any herb you prefer.
In a bowl, combine a cup or so of grated cheese. Any kind you like.
For this I used monterey jack and cheddar.
Stir in about 1/3 cup of mayo. If you are from the south, you know there is only one brand of mayonnaise. Dukes.
But you use whatever makes you happy.
Add a few shakes of hot sauce, as much or as little as you like, and mix well.
You end up with something that's sort of clumpy and gooey.
Put the tomato and onion in the (mostly) cooked pie crust.
Spread the cheese/mayo mixture over the top.
I say spread, but you just sort of crumble it on and spread it around with your fingers. Moistened fingers work best.
Cook uncovered at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Till the cheese begins to get golden and brown.
My friend just bought me a box of tomatoes and a neighbor brought me a bag of them yesterday...whereas I can eat at least six a day when I have real homegrown ones as an apple, as as sandwich, as an apple, etc. I am going to make this today...I have all the ingredients on hand...It looks so GOOD!!!
Posted by: Elaine | July 25, 2011 at 09:39 AM
I've never even heard of this! Thanks for sharing - I will definitely be trying this. Cheese, mayo and tomatoes - how can you go wrong?
Posted by: Beth | July 25, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Let me know what you think Elaine. Ive never had anyone not like it.
I forgot to add in the post, sometimes I sprinkle crumbled bacon on top before baking. Even more yummy!
Have a wonderful day!
xo Autum
Posted by: Autum | July 25, 2011 at 10:02 AM
They are some of my favorite ingredients, for sure! Let me know what you think if you make one.
xo Autum
Posted by: Autum | July 25, 2011 at 10:03 AM
Looks delish! Too bad my husband doesn't like tomatoes. I KNOW! And I wish someone would bring me a box of tomatoes!
Posted by: lisa | July 25, 2011 at 10:11 AM
I cant imagine not liking tomatoes. I could give you a box. We have three plants that have produced like crazy this year.
Make one for yourself! The left overs are just as delicious.
xo Autum
Posted by: Autum | July 25, 2011 at 11:20 AM
Sounds yummy! A little bit of bacon crumbled on top and I know my hubby would eat it.
Posted by: Halle G | July 25, 2011 at 12:19 PM
I've never heard of tomato pie but I bet it would be one of my favorites!! Wowza! Our tomato season is about over here in hot east Texas, darn it. Maybe I can ask around and find someone who still has some, this looks too good not to try!
Molly
Posted by: molly | July 25, 2011 at 03:00 PM
Its good with Roma tomatoes too Molly. I prefer homegrown, but if I have to buy, the Romas usually have some flavor.
Posted by: Autum | July 25, 2011 at 03:40 PM
Oh my - The tomato pie looks just amazing! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: underthewillow@hotmail.com | July 26, 2011 at 09:23 AM
This is pretty much how I make mine, but kick it up a notch with fresh basil and some freshly cracked black pepper (as well as the bacon of course) and you'll never want to eat anything else.
Posted by: Jennifer | July 26, 2011 at 01:54 PM
Sounds yummy! My husband isnt a big fan of basil, so I leave it out. The freshly cracked pepper sounds great though.
Posted by: Autum | July 26, 2011 at 02:14 PM
Oh this looks too delicious & mouthwatering!
Posted by: Luisa | July 26, 2011 at 09:20 PM