Rustic Pumpkin Pie

The country-style pumpkin pie is a delight that evokes childhood memories, when the aroma of fresh pumpkin and cinnamon filled the air, preparing homes for the cold season. This simple and rustic recipe is based on accessible ingredients, offering you an authentic culinary pleasure that brings joy to every corner of your home.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 500 g flour
- 1 baking powder
- 4 tablespoons lard (or butter)
- 100 ml milk
- 1 egg
- Zest of one lemon
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or nutmeg/ginger powder, to taste)

*For the filling:*
- 1.5 kg pie pumpkin
- Sugar (depending on the sweetness of the pumpkin)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 100 g butter
- 50 ml oil

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl, adding the baking powder. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy dough.

2. Dissolving the sugar: In a separate container, combine the sugar with the milk. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved, then pour the mixture over the flour.

3. Adding the ingredients: Add the lard (or melted butter), lightly beaten egg, lemon zest, and cinnamon. Use your hands or a food processor to knead the ingredients until you obtain a compact and non-sticky dough. If the dough is too wet, feel free to add 1-2 tablespoons of extra flour.

4. Resting the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step will make the dough easier to roll out and improve the texture of the pie.

5. Preparing the filling: In the meantime, peel and grate the pie pumpkin. In a pan, melt the butter with the oil over low heat. Add the grated pumpkin, sugar (depending on how sweet the pumpkin is), and cinnamon. Sauté the mixture until the pumpkin becomes soft, then let it cool.

6. Assembling the pie: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a 30x25 cm baking dish, which should be clean and dry, without needing greasing or parchment paper. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first part on a floured surface and place it in the dish, covering the bottom evenly. Use a fork to prick the dough in several places, preventing air bubbles from forming.

7. Adding the filling: Pour the sautéed pumpkin over the dough and level it with a spatula. Roll out the remaining dough on top, pressing gently to secure it. Beat an egg with a little milk and brush the surface of the pie evenly. Prick again with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

8. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the pie turns golden and browned on top.

9. Cooling and serving: Let the pie cool in the dish, then you can dust it with sugar if desired.

Tips and useful advice:
- Sugar: Adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the pumpkin. If you prefer a less sweet pie, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
- Flavoring: Experiment with different flavors! You can add coarsely chopped nuts or berries to enrich the filling.
- Serving: The pie is served warm, but it is equally delicious cold. It can be accompanied by a scoop of ice cream or cream for a perfect contrast between hot and cold.
- Storing: You can keep the pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Heat it slightly before serving for a fresher taste.

Nutritional benefits:
This pumpkin pie is not only delicious but also healthy. Pumpkin is an excellent source of beta-carotene, vitamin A, and fiber, which contribute to eye health and digestive system. The whole wheat flour used in the dough also provides fiber, promoting healthy digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use another type of oil instead of lard?* Yes, you can use butter or coconut oil for a vegan option.
- *How can I make the pie easier to cut?* Make sure the pie is completely cooled before cutting it to get clean slices.
- *Can I freeze the pie?* Yes, the pie can be frozen! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer. You can defrost it at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

So, invite your family and friends to enjoy this country-style pumpkin pie and let them discover the magic of flavors that intertwine perfectly in every slice. Cooking is an art, and each recipe is an opportunity to create beautiful moments around the table. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: - 500g flour - 1 baking powder - 4 tablespoons lard - 100ml milk - 1 egg - zest of one lemon - 3-4 tablespoons sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon/nutmeg/ginger powder For the filling: - 1.5kg pumpkin - sugar (depending on the sweetness of the pumpkin) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 100g butter - 50ml oil