Philly-Style Tomato Pie

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Recipe Intro From buonapastaclub

Step aside, ordinary pies! The Philly Style Tomato Pie, made with flavorful Tuttorosso Peeled Plum Tomatoes Italian Style in Puree with Sweet Basil, is here to steal the spotlight. Bursting with the bold flavors of summer, this is a pizza you won't want to miss. Forget the sweet, this savory delight will have you dreaming of its crispy crust and rich tomato sauce long after the last bite.

Recipe Description

This tomato pie has a rich history, dating back to Italian immigrants in Philadelphia who brought their love of tomatoes and baking to create this unique dish. For a refreshing twist, serve alongside a vibrant summer salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette. The crisp greens and tangy dressing provide a delightful contrast to the rich tomato goodness of the pie.

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  • Recipe Card

Prep time 2hrs
Cook time 25mins
Serves or Makes: 4 servings

Recipe Card

For the Tomato Pie Crust

ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 17 grams active dry yeast
  • 3 cups "00" or all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Tomato Pie Sauce

ingredients

To make the crust

Method

  • Step 1

    In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup warm water with the sugar and the packet of active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is activated.

  • Step 2

    In a larger bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center for the yeast mixture.

  • Step 3

    Once the yeast is activated, pour it along with the remaining 1 cup of water into the well in the flour mixture. Mix until the dough becomes flaky and all the moisture is incorporated into the flour.

  • Step 4

    Transfer the dough to a flat surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth, adding more flour as needed until the dough is no longer sticky.

  • Step 5

    Place the kneaded dough in a large bowl greased with olive oil. Let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

To make the sauce

  • Step 1

    Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium-low heat. Add the crushed garlic and simmer until fragrant and golden, about 3-4 minutes.

  • Step 2

    Add the Tuttorosso Peeled Plum Tomatoes Italian Style in Puree with Sweet Basil to the pot with olive oil and garlic. Use a potato masher to crush the tomatoes. Add oregano and simmer for 10 minutes.

  • Step 3

    Turn off the heat. Remove the garlic from the sauce. Add sugar and mix until combined. Puree the sauce until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

To assemble the Tomato Pie

  • Step 1

    Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to deflate.

  • Step 2

    Line an 18x13 sheet pan with parchment paper. Transfer the dough to the middle of the sheet pan and gently spread it outwards to each corner, creating a rectangle that fills up most of the pan while maintaining a consistent thickness. Use the side of your hand to create a thin crust along the edges of the dough.

  • Step 3

    Use a fork to pierce the dough all over. Let it rest and rise for 30 minutes.

  • Step 4

    Preheat the oven to 450°F.

  • Step 5

    Once the dough has risen on the sheet pan, bake it for 15 minutes.

  • Step 6

    Carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven and spread the sauce evenly over the top of the crust, leaving the edges bare. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.

  • Step 7

    Remove the Tomato Pie from the oven and let it cool for 15-20 minutes. Optionally, transfer it to a cooling rack to crisp up the bottom.

  • Step 8

    Sprinkle grated parmigiano reggiano on top before serving. Tomato Pie is typically served at room temperature or cold.