Highly Protective Spinach-Tomato Pie

Highly Protective Spinach-Tomato Pie Recipe | Vegetarian Food

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

This Highly Protective Spinach-Tomato Pie is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Packed with spinach, tomatoes, and cheese, this pie is not only flavorful but also full of essential nutrients.

History

The combination of spinach and tomatoes in a pie is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe puts a healthy twist on the traditional dish by using low-fat dairy products and incorporating whole grains.

Ingredients

1 x 10 oz (283 g) can of refrigerated pizza crust
1 x 10 oz (283 g) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
0.25 cup of low-fat sour cream
2 tbsp of minced shallots
1 cup of evaporated skim milk
0.25 tsp of salt
0.13 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
2 large egg whites
1 large egg
2 ripe medium-sized tomatoes, thinly sliced
0.33 cup of shredded low-fat monterey jack cheese

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Coat a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray.
Shape the dough into a 4-inch circle; cover it with a kitchen towel and let it stand for 5 minutes.
Roll it into an 11-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
Fit the dough into the pie plate and flute the rim.
In a mixing bowl, mix together the spinach, sour cream, and shallots.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, salt, pepper, egg whites, and egg.
Stir 0.33 cup of the milk mixture into the spinach mixture.
Spoon the spinach mixture into the bottom of the prepared crust.
Add a layer of tomatoes and top it with cheese.
Pour the remaining milk mixture over the cheese.
Place the pie plate on a baking sheet.
Bake for 45 minutes, or until set.
Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or turkey for an extra protein boost.
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.
Add herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly drain and squeeze dry the frozen spinach to prevent the pie from becoming too watery.

- Fluting the rim of the pie crust adds a decorative touch to the dish.

- Letting the pie stand for 10 minutes after baking allows it to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions

This pie can be served as a main dish with a side salad or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the dough to fit the pie plate ensures an even crust.

- Layering the ingredients in the pie in a specific order helps to distribute the flavors evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Regular sour cream can be used instead of low-fat sour cream.

- Whole milk can be used instead of evaporated skim milk.

Make Ahead Tips

This pie can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pie with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika before serving for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This spinach-tomato pie pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this spinach-tomato pie contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this spinach-tomato pie contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This pie is low in fat, with each serving containing around 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

With spinach and cheese as the main ingredients, this pie is a good source of protein, providing around 10 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and eggs, so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or egg allergies.

Summary

Overall, this spinach-tomato pie is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

This Highly Protective Spinach-Tomato Pie is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Packed with spinach, tomatoes, and cheese, this pie is a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished browsing through a flea market in search of some new additions to my cookbook collection. As I was strolling through the stalls, a quaint little booth caught my eye. The elderly lady running the booth had a twinkle in her eye that immediately drew me in.

I struck up a conversation with her, and before I knew it, we were chatting away like old friends. She told me she had been collecting recipes for years and had a special one she wanted to share with me. She rummaged through a pile of yellowed papers and handed me a worn-out piece of parchment. The words "Highly Protective Spinach-Tomato Pie" were scrawled across the top in faded ink.

She explained that this pie was not only delicious but also had special protective qualities. She had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. I was intrigued and couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

I thanked the kind lady profusely and headed home with my newfound treasure. That evening, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my kitchen. The aroma of sautéed spinach and tomatoes filled the air as the pie baked to perfection in the oven. When it was finally ready, I took a bite and was immediately transported to culinary heaven.

The flavors of the spinach and tomatoes melded together perfectly, with a hint of garlic and herbs adding a savory depth. The crispy crust provided the perfect contrast to the creamy filling, making each bite a delight for the senses. I could see why this pie was called "Highly Protective" – it felt like a warm hug from the inside out.

I shared the pie with my family, and they were all equally impressed. My grandchildren, in particular, couldn't get enough of it. They begged me to make it again and again, and I happily obliged. As the years went by, the Highly Protective Spinach-Tomato Pie became a staple in our household, a recipe that was passed down from generation to generation.

I often think back to that fateful day at the flea market and the kind lady who shared her recipe with me. I am forever grateful for her generosity and the delicious pie that has brought so much joy to my family. It just goes to show that you never know where you'll find inspiration in the kitchen – sometimes, it can come from the most unexpected places. And for that, I am eternally thankful.