Green Tomato Pie

Fried green tomatoes aren't the only green tomato dish Southerners love to eat. You can enjoy also them in a sweet and juicy green tomato pie.

Green tomato pies have been called the "apple pies of summer" because, when baked with warm spices such as cinnamon and cloves, unripe green tomatoes take on fruity notes similar to Granny Smith apples or rhubarb.

As delicious as the filling is, the bacon dripping-flavored crust is also an integral part in making this fantastic recipe. The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated, or 2 months ahead and frozen. Top this green tomato pie with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream or your favorite ice cream, and you'll have a unique dessert that's sure to please the whole family.

The History of Green Tomato Pie

Green tomato pie might seem unusual, but in the 19th century, green tomatoes were often used as a substitute for apples. Their tart flavor and firm texture was almost indistinguishable from fresh apples, especially when sweetened with sugar and spices and baked until tender. Green tomato pie was created as a dessert to enjoy in lieu of apple or mincemeat pie when those traditional filling ingredients were hard to come by.

Ingredients for Green Tomato Pie

With raisins, bacon drippings, cinnamon, clove, and orange zest to enhance the unique flavor of green tomatoes, there's just no going wrong with this dessert. To make this pie, you'll need:

• All-purpose flour: The base of the pie crust, and a thickener for the filling.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and tomato filling.
• Kosher salt: Seasons the crust and filling.
• Unsalted butter: Cut into the pie dough to create flaky layers, and dotted over the tomato filling to add richness.
• Bacon drippings: Adds a rich flavor to the pie crust that complements the green tomatoes.
• Golden raisins: Gives the pie filling additional sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: A hint of classic warming spice.
• Orange zest: Adds a citrusy kick.
• Ground cloves: An intensely aromatic spice that works well with the cinnamon and orange zest. Can be left out if preferred, or substituted with ground ginger or nutmeg.
• Green tomatoes: Unripe tomatoes that are firm and tart in flavor.
• Apple cider vinegar: Additional acidity to balance the sweet filling.
  
• Large egg: To egg wash the pie to encourage even browning and shine.
• Turbinado sugar: Sprinkled over the pie before baking for a sweet crunch.

How To Make Green Tomato Pie

This pie comes together in no time, thanks to a pie crust made in the food processor, and a filling brought together with a quick toss. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Prepare the crust: Pulse to combine flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add butter and drippings; pulse to coarse crumbs. Gradually add 1/2 cup cold water, pulsing until a dough forms. Divide dough in half; shape into 2 disks, wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
• Step 2. Prepare the filling: Preheat oven to 350°F. Stir to combine sugar, raisins, flour, cinnamon, zest, cloves, and salt. Add tomatoes and vinegar and toss to coat.
• Step 3. Add dough to skillet: Roll 1 dough disk to a 14-inch circle. Fit into a 10-inch cast-iron skillet. Roll remaining disk to a 12-inch circle. Cut into 1-inch-wide strips.
  
• Step 4. Add filling: Pour tomato mixture into dough in skillet; dot with butter. Top with strips in a lattice design. Trim excess dough and crimp edges. Freeze 10 minutes.
• Step 5. Apply egg wash: Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
• Step 6. Bake pie: Bake about 1 hour until golden brown. Cool 2 hours before serving.

Can I Make Green Tomato Pie Ahead?

There are a few ways to prepare this pie in advance:

• Make the pie dough ahead: Prepare the pie dough and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling.
• Assemble ahead: You can assemble the pie, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed (pie may need additional baking time).
• Bake ahead: This pie can be baked in advance, cooled, and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then reheat in a preheated 350°F oven until hot throughout before serving.

How To Store Leftover Green Tomato Pie

Wrap and refrigerate leftover green tomato pie for up to three days or freeze up to three months. Warm in a preheated 350°F oven or toaster oven before serving.

More Green Tomato Recipes You'll Love

Whether fried, baked, or pickled, a bounty of green tomatoes can transform into a variety of delicious dishes in no time:

• Fried Green Tomatoes
• Green Tomato Gazpacho
• Green Tomato Mincemeat Pie
• Pickled Green Tomatoes
• Grilled Green Tomatoes with Jalapeño-Honey Vinaigrette
• Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes
• Fried Green Tomato Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.