Tomato Pie

Tomato and Garlic Pie – A Delicious and Simple Recipe for Fasting

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Every culinary culture has its own pie recipes that become favorites over time. This tomato and garlic pie is an excellent choice for fasting days or any time you crave a healthy and delicious dish. The aroma of fresh tomatoes, combined with the intense flavor of garlic and aromatic herbs, will make this dish a true feast for the senses. Moreover, it is a simple recipe, perfect for anyone, regardless of their cooking experience.

Ingredients for the dough:
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 300 ml lukewarm water
- 500 g flour
- 1 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for the filling:
- 5 large tomatoes (or 10 cherry tomatoes)
- 6 cloves of garlic
- Dried thyme or tarragon
- 9 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste

Preparing the dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with the sugar. This step is essential to liquefy the yeast, which will help in fermenting the dough. Add 100 ml of lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and 1 tablespoon of flour. Mix well and let it sit for 10 minutes. You will notice that the yeast starts to form bubbles, indicating that it is active and ready to use.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. Here, add the previously made yeast mixture, salt, and water gradually. Stir with a spoon until the ingredients start to combine. Then, move on to kneading! Use your hands to transform the mixture into a smooth and elastic dough. This process should take about 8-10 minutes.

3. Letting the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, until it doubles in size. This is the stage where the dough will become fluffy and airy.

4. Shaping the dough: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto the work surface (no need for flour, as we want to keep the moisture of the dough). Knead it gently to remove the air.

5. Preparing the baking tray: Grease a tray with 2 tablespoons of oil. Place the dough in the tray and spread it out using your hands. Cover it again with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Preparing the filling

6. Slicing the tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes well and slice them. If using cherry tomatoes, you can leave them whole or cut them in half. Sprinkle salt and thyme or tarragon over them. If you want to add a personal touch, you can use oregano or basil.

7. Adding the garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and slice them thinly or, for a more intense flavor, you can use a garlic press.

Assembling the pie

8. Assembling the pie: Once the dough has risen again, add the tomato slices on top of the dough, distributing them evenly. Then, sprinkle the garlic slices over the top. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to enhance the flavor and help brown the pie.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the pie for about 40 minutes or until it becomes golden and crispy. In the meantime, the delicious aroma of the pie will fill the entire house.

10. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the pie cool slightly. Then, cut it into servings and serve. It is delicious both warm and cold, making it perfect for a light lunch or a fasting dinner.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour, for a healthier option.
- If you like a spicier taste, add some slices of hot pepper to the filling.
- Instead of olive oil, you can use melted butter for a different flavor.
- The tomato pie pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a garlic yogurt sauce.

Nutritional information:
This pie is rich in vitamins due to the tomatoes, which are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Additionally, garlic has antimicrobial properties and is known for its benefits to the immune system. It is a healthy option, with a moderate calorie content, making it ideal for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 17 g of dry yeast (1 packet) and follow the same instructions.

2. How can I store the pie?
The pie stores well at room temperature for 1-2 days in a covered container. You can reheat it in the oven to regain its crispiness.

3. Can the pie be frozen?
Yes, the pie can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then cut it into portions and place it in freezer bags. You can bake it directly from the freezer, but it will require a longer time in the oven.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! This tomato and garlic pie will surely become a favorite in your home and will impress anyone who tastes it. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: 50 g fresh yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 300 ml lukewarm water, 500 g flour, 1 tsp salt. Filling: 5 tomatoes (10 cherry tomatoes), thyme or tarragon, 6 cloves of garlic, 9 tbsp oil, salt.

 Tags:  tomato pie fasting recipes