Southern Tomato Pie with Fried Onions
Try this Southern Tomato Pie with Fried Onions recipe.
Try this Southern Tomato Pie with Fried Onions recipe.
- vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- i un-baked pie crust
- fillling
- 3-4 ripe heirloom tomatoes (or regular red tomato
- 1/2 vidalia onion peeled and sliced very thinly, 1/8 inch
- 1 tsp salt (fro draining the tomatoes)
- 1 1/4 cup shredded swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
- salt and fresh cracked black pepper
- onion topping
- 1/2 slices (use a mandolin slicer)
- Carbohydrate 166.311052012369 g
- Cholesterol 235.800000071009 mg
- Fat 147.402591614789 g
- Fiber 10.851046015062 g
- Protein 61.9804434741027 g
- Saturated Fat 43.2774912328451 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (758g)
- Sodium 2283.82010059164 mg
- Sugar 155.460005997307 g
- Trans Fat 70.9540057173832 g
- Calories 2232 calories
Step-by-step
- Put the tomato slices in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Set aside to drain for 30 minutes. Blot the surface well with paper towels afterwards.
- For the fried onion strings, whisk together the flour, cornmeal and salt in a shallow bowl.
- Heat several inches of vegetable oil in a pot to about 340F.
- Cut the onion slices in half and then toss them in the flour mixture. Work in batches.
- When the oil is hot, drop a handful of the onions in and fry until golden and crisp. This should take 2 minutes or so. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Mix the mayo with the shredded cheese, and stir in the dill. Set aside.
- Set the oven to 350 and line a 10 inch tart pan with a ready made crust. You can use a regular pie plate for this, too, but you may need to adjust the amount of tomatoes you put in. Prick the crust all over with a fork and bake for 10 minutes.
- Cut the raw onion slices in half and scatter across the bottom of the crust. Layer the tomatoes over them. Season everything with black pepper and a touch of salt.
- Spoon the cheese mixture over the tomatoes and spread to cover. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is starting to turn golden and bubbling.
- Scatter the fried onions over the top of the pie and let cool for a bit before trying to slice. Serve warm.
A Southern Comfort Food Classic: My Take on Tomato Pie
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook is always a challenge. But there are some meals that are worth the effort, meals that transport you back to simpler times, to cozy evenings and the comforting aromas of home. This Southern Tomato Pie with Fried Onions is one of those meals for me. It's a dish that effortlessly blends sweet and savory, crunchy and creamy, resulting in a symphony of flavors that always satisfies.
I remember my grandmother making this pie. It wasn't just a pie; it was a symbol of Southern hospitality, a testament to the simple magic of fresh ingredients transformed into something truly special. The aroma of fried onions mingling with the sweet tang of ripe tomatoes, all nestled within a flaky pie crust – it's a memory etched into my heart. Now, years later, I’ve perfected my own version, adding a few tweaks to suit my busy lifestyle.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Heirloom tomatoes are a luxurious choice, their vibrant colors adding a touch of elegance to the pie, but simple red tomatoes work just as well. The same goes for the cheese; experiment with different varieties to find your favorite combination.
This pie isn't just about the taste; it's about the process. The act of carefully slicing the onions, the satisfying sizzle of them frying in the hot oil, the layering of the tomatoes and cheese – each step is a mindful exercise in creating something beautiful. It's a welcome break from the daily grind, a chance to connect with the simple pleasures of cooking.
And the best part? Leftovers are just as delicious the next day, perhaps even better! The flavors meld together overnight, creating an even richer and more intense taste experience. So whether you’re serving it to family and friends or enjoying a quiet meal for yourself, this Southern Tomato Pie with Fried Onions is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a reminder that even amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s always time for a little taste of home.
The crispy fried onions are the star of the show, adding a delightful textural contrast to the creamy cheese filling and juicy tomatoes. I like to use a mandolin slicer to ensure that my onion slices are uniformly thin, resulting in perfectly crisp and golden-brown fried onion rings. But if you don't have one, a sharp knife works perfectly fine – just be sure to cut the onions thinly and evenly.
This recipe isn't just about replicating a traditional dish; it's about embracing the spirit of Southern cooking – that warm, inviting, and delicious approach to food that makes everyone feel welcome and loved. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let the comforting aroma of this pie fill your kitchen. You might just discover a new family favorite.
I often find myself making this pie for potlucks and gatherings; it’s always a hit, disappearing quickly. It's a unique dish that effortlessly bridges the gap between classic comfort food and something a bit more special. The presentation is impressive, with its golden crust and vibrant layers of tomatoes and onions, making it a showstopper at any event.
This tomato pie is more than just a dish; it’s a story. A story of Southern heritage, of family traditions, and of the simple joys of cooking. It’s a dish that embodies the heart of home, and that’s something that can never be replicated.
