“Botanically speaking, tomatoes are a fruit; technically, they’re a berry, and legally, they’re a vegetable” – Jonny Bowden, Ph.D.
No matter what they are classified as, tomatoes are pretty awesome vegetables- I mean fruits- I mean berries… Anyway, not only do they taste amazing but the health benefits that come along with eating tomatoes can really impact your body.
Cooked tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, which reduces the chance of prostate, stomach and lung cancer (and probably other forms of cancer as well). Lycopene also reduces the rist of heart attacks and can help to reduce blood pressure. Tomatoes also contain zeta carotene, phytoene, and phytofluene; which are a trio of antioxidants that can help you fight disease. As if you needed another reason to add tomatoes to your diet, lutein is also present in tomatoes and is known for its influence on healthy eyes and vision.
This recipe was given to me by a good friend, Kay, at Cazador Associates, who has been helping us to revamp our website (which will be unveiled in the next few weeks!). She is such a detail-oriented, warm and vibrant person, and I trust that any of her favorite recipes will be spectacular. This recipe was also given the highest rating of five stars when it was published in Southern Living Magazine this August by Libbo McCollum (The photo was taken by Becky Luigart Stayner).
Tomato Pie
Ingredients
(Makes: 6 servings, Hands On Time: 15 minutes, Total Time: 2 hr, 15 min. including pastry)
- Sour Cream Pastry
- 4 medium tomatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices (about 1 1/2 lb.)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
Preparation
- 1. Preheat oven to 350
