Southern Tomato Pie (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 2 pre-baked pie crusts

→ Filling

02 - 3-4 medium tomatoes, sliced
03 - 240ml mayonnaise
04 - 225g sharp cheddar cheese, grated
05 - 225g monterey jack cheese, grated
06 - 225g parmesan cheese, grated
07 - 115g diced pimentos, drained
08 - 1/4 vidalia onion, grated
09 - Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard
10 - Minced onion, to taste
11 - Black pepper, to taste
12 - Kosher salt, to taste
13 - Sugar, to taste

→ Garnish

14 - Fresh basil leaves

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
02 - Slice tomatoes to desired thickness and lay them flat on a paper towel. Sprinkle with kosher salt and a little sugar to draw out moisture and reduce bitterness. Place a second paper towel on top and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Gently press to remove remaining juice without crushing the tomatoes.
03 - In a large bowl, combine grated sharp cheddar, monterey jack, parmesan, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, freshly-grated vidalia onion, minced onion, and black pepper. Add mayonnaise gradually until reaching desired consistency. Mix thoroughly.
04 - Apply a thin layer of Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard to each pre-baked pie crust, covering the entire surface.
05 - Arrange a layer of prepared tomato slices on top of the mustard-coated crust.
06 - Spread the pimento cheese mixture evenly over the tomatoes in both pies.
07 - Bake for 20 minutes, then broil for 2-4 minutes until the top is perfectly golden brown.
08 - Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

# Notes:

01 - The salt helps remove excess moisture from the tomatoes, ensuring a firm pie texture.
02 - A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes without making the pie sweet.
03 - Allow pie to rest for 5 minutes before slicing for cleaner portions.