Tomato Basil Pie

Ingredients

• 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch / 23cm) 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch / 23cm)
• 4 large tomatoes, sliced 4 large tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (240ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (120ml) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (120ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped fresh basil 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.9g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2.
   Place the pre-made pie crust in a pie dish and set aside.
3. 3.
   Layer the sliced tomatoes in the pie crust, overlapping them slightly.
4. 4.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
5. 5.
   Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the tomatoes, covering them completely.
6. 6.
   Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If the tomatoes are too watery, remove the seeds before slicing to prevent a soggy pie.
• Basil — Use fresh basil for its aromatic flavor. Avoid over-chopping the basil to retain its vibrant green color and delicate taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a layer of caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms between the tomatoes and the cheese filling.
• Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pie before baking for an extra cheesy crust.
• Serve the pie warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
• This pie is perfect for picnics or potlucks. Cut it into smaller squares for easy serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Tomato Basil Pie as a main dish accompanied by a fresh green salad. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Tomato Basil Pie with a few fresh basil leaves on top before serving to add a pop of color. Cut the pie into neat slices and arrange them on a platter for an appealing presentation.