This Easy Green Tomato Crumble Pie is a fun twist on traditional pie! With tart green tomatoes and a sweet, crumbly topping, it’s a delightful treat that surprises your taste buds.
Making this pie is a breeze, and it’s perfect for a cozy gathering. I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream – it makes everything better! Who knew green tomatoes could taste so good? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Tomatoes: These tomatoes give the pie a tart flavor. If you can’t find green tomatoes, try using firm unripe red tomatoes. They might not be as tart, but they’ll work in a pinch.
Sugar: I use granulated sugar for sweetening the tomatoes. For a healthier option, you could swap in coconut sugar or even honey. Just remember, honey is sweeter, so adjust to your taste.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a warm flavor to the pie. If you want to get creative, you could use nutmeg or allspice for a different twist.
Pie Crust: A store-bought pie crust is a huge time-saver. If you’re gluten-free, opt for a gluten-free pie crust or make a simple one with almond flour.
How Can I Ensure My Crumble Topping is Perfectly Crunchy?
The crumble topping is where the magic happens! Here’s how to nail it:
- Use cold butter: This helps create a flaky texture, so don’t skip on cutting the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix just enough: You want to combine until everything is crumbly; over-mixing can lead to a tough topping.
- Optional nuts: Adding chopped nuts provides an extra crunch. Walnuts or pecans are great choices!
Baking until golden brown is key. If you see it getting too dark, loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Let it cool slightly before serving for the best flavor. Enjoy your pie! 🍰
Easy Green Tomato Crumble Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Filling:
- 6 cups chopped green tomatoes (peeled if desired)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 prepared pie crust (for a 9-inch pie dish)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 45-50 minutes to bake, bringing your total time to about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Allow a little extra time for cooling before you serve. You’ll spend just a few minutes mixing everything together and then let the oven do the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pie will bake evenly and turn out just right.
2. Prepare the Tomato Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped green tomatoes with the granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, ground cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until the tomatoes are well-coated.
3. Assemble the Pie:
Roll out your pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie pan. Don’t forget to trim any excess crust from the edges. Pour the tomato mixture into the pie crust and spread it out evenly.
4. Make the Crumble Topping:
In another medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour and the brown sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix everything until it looks like coarse crumbs. If you’d like some extra crunch, stir in the chopped nuts at this point.
5. Top the Pie:
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling in your pie dish. This topping will become deliciously crispy as it bakes.
6. Bake:
Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and the tomato filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it—if the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the filling set, making it easier to slice. Serve it warm, and for a delightful treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Enjoy your unique Green Tomato Crumble Pie!
FAQ about Easy Green Tomato Crumble Pie
Can I Use Ripe Tomatoes Instead of Green Tomatoes?
While green tomatoes provide a unique tart flavor, you can use firm, unripe red tomatoes as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the taste will be sweeter and less tangy than the original recipe.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave or place the whole pie back in a low oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and crumble topping a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake the pie when you’re ready to serve for the best texture!
What Can I Substitute for Nuts in the Topping?
If you prefer to avoid nuts, you can simply leave them out or replace them with oats to add more texture. You could also use seeds like sunflower seeds for a similar crunch!
