Pumpkin pie

Pumpkin pie is a true culinary treasure, a recipe that blends tradition with the joy of taste. This delicacy offers an explosion of flavors and textures, making it perfect for chilly autumn evenings or winter holidays. With a crispy crust and a soft, aromatic, and sweet filling, pumpkin pie becomes not just a dessert but also a reason for conviviality around the table.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 120 ml water
- 100 ml oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 300 g flour (mixed with 1 teaspoon baking powder)

For the creamy dough:
- 100 g flour
- 100 ml oil

For the filling:
- 1 kg pumpkin (peeled and seeded)
- 50-100 g sugar (depending on the sweetness of the pumpkin)
- 100 g butter
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

Preparation

1. Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, combine the water, oil, egg, and salt. Mix the ingredients well until homogeneous. Add the flour mixed with baking powder, one tablespoon at a time, continuously stirring with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a uniform dough.

2. Kneading the dough
Transfer the dough to a floured work surface. Knead the dough gently for a few minutes until it becomes elastic. Roll it out to about 0.5 cm thickness. Spread one-third of the creamy dough made from flour and oil over the sheet. Fold the sheet in thirds, then repeat this step twice. This technique will help achieve a flaky and crispy crust. Wrap the folded dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, peel and seed the pumpkin, then grate it using a large grater. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the grated pumpkin. Sauté the pumpkin for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes soft. Add the sugar and vanilla sugar, mixing well, and let the filling cool.

4. Assembling the pie
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first part on a floured surface, then place it in a baking dish, ensuring it rises over the edges. Bake the first sheet in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 5 minutes.

5. Adding the filling
Once the first sheet is baked, remove the dish from the oven and add the cooled pumpkin filling. Spread the filling evenly, then roll out the second sheet of dough and place it over the filling. Lightly brush the surface with a little oil and prick the pie with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

6. Final baking
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until it becomes golden and crispy.

7. Serving
After the pie has cooled, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top and cut it into portions. You can serve the pie with a dollop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a contrast of temperature and texture, as well as with a warm tea to complete the culinary experience.

Practical tips

- Choosing the pumpkin: Opt for Hokkaido or butternut pumpkins, which have a sweet flavor and creamy texture, ideal for fillings.
- Checking the sweetness of the filling: Taste the filling before adding it to the pie and adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences.
- Variations: You can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling to enhance the flavors. A handful of chopped nuts can also add a pleasant texture.

Nutritional benefits

Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamins, especially vitamin A, which supports eye health, and vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. It is also rich in fiber, which aids in healthy digestion.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned pumpkin?
Yes, canned pumpkin is a quick and convenient alternative, but make sure to choose one without added sugar or preservatives.

2. How do I store the pie?
The pie stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days. It can be enjoyed both cold and heated.

3. How can I make the dough healthier?
For a healthier dough, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour.

Serving suggestions

Pumpkin pie can be served with homemade caramel sauce or a reduction of red wine and spices. Additionally, a glass of warm cider or mulled wine will perfectly complement the autumn atmosphere.

Personal story

I fondly remember how, as a child, my mother would make pumpkin pie for every autumn holiday. The aroma of baked pumpkin would fill the entire house, and we would gather around the table, eagerly waiting to indulge in this dessert. Each bite was a memory, and today, when I prepare it, I feel like I am keeping that tradition alive.

This pumpkin pie recipe is not just a dessert but a way to bring family and friends together, to create memories, and to celebrate the flavors of autumn. So put on your apron, get to work, and let yourself be carried away by the deliciousness of this pie!

 Ingredients: Dough: 120 ml water, 100 ml oil, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon salt, 300 g flour mixed with 1 teaspoon baking powder. Separately, make a creamy dough from 100 g flour and 100 ml oil. Filling: 1 kg pumpkin (after being peeled and seeded), 50-100 g sugar depending on how sweet the pumpkin is, 100 g butter, 1 packet vanilla sugar.