Tomato Hand Pies

Welcome to your new favorite recipe!

If you're craving something flaky, savory, and satisfying, these Tomato and Feta Puff Pastry Pies are for you.

Made with juicy tomatoes, rich vegan feta, and fresh basil all encased in a golden, crispy puff pastry, these delightful pies are simple to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or just treating yourself, these pies will hit the spot!

Shopping List:

• Tomatoes

• Vegan Feta (like Violife or Follow Your Heart Vegan Feta; vegan mozzarella works too)

• Fresh Basil

• Olive Oil

• Vegan-Friendly Puff Pastry (e.g., Pepperidge Farm)

Equipment Needed:

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper or silicone mat

• Knife

• Rolling pin (optional)

Yields:

• Makes 4 pies (easily double the ingredients for more)

Products Used:

• Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry: Readily available in many grocery stores and vegan-friendly.

• Violife Vegan Feta: Highly recommended, but other brands like Follow Your Heart are also good options.

INGREDIENTS:

• Tomatoes: 1-2 heirloom or vine-ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced, or 2-3 plum tomatoes, or half a pint of cherry tomatoes, halved

• Vegan Feta Cheese: 4 oz. (about 1/2 cup) – brands like Violife or Follow Your Heart are good options; vegan mozzarella can also be substituted

• Fresh Basil: 8-10 leaves, cut into thin strips (chiffonade)

• Olive Oil: For drizzling and brushing

• Vegan-Friendly Puff Pastry: 1 sheet – Pepperidge Farm is a commonly found brand that fits the bill

• Salt: sprinkle or to taste

• Pepper: a few cracks or to taste

• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Prep:

• Defrost the Puff Pastry: Follow the package instructions, usually about 40 minutes before you start.

• Prep the Ingredients: Thinly slice the tomatoes, vegan feta, and basil leaves.

1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 400°F.

2. Prepare the Pastry:

   • Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. If your tomato slices are large, you might want to roll out the pastry slightly with a rolling pin, but this step is optional.

   • Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

3. Assemble the Pies:

   • Place a few tomato slices in the center of each pastry square, leaving about a 1/2-inch border.

   • Season the tomatoes with a bit of salt and pepper.

   • Add vegan feta and basil on top of the tomatoes.

   • Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a small border.

   • Press the edges with the tines of a fork to seal and keep the fillings contained.

4. Bake:

   • Drizzle a little olive oil over the pies and brush or rub it in.

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

5. Cooling and Serving:

   • Remove from the oven and let cool on a rack for about 5 minutes.

   • Optionally, finish with a drizzle of your best extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Serve and Enjoy!

These pies can be enjoyed as an appetizer or paired with a salad for a light and satisfying meal.