Homemade pumpkin pie

Homemade Pumpkin Pie

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

If there is a dessert that brings autumn into the kitchen, that wonderful pumpkin pie is certainly among the most beloved. The warm and delicate flavors of caramelized pumpkin harmoniously combine with the flaky crust, creating a culinary experience that will delight your senses. This recipe, which I have named "homemade pie", is dedicated to those who love spending time in the kitchen, ensuring a perfect result every time.

Ingredients needed

For the filling:
- 1 kg pumpkin (preferably pie pumpkin, but any sweet pumpkin will work)
- 200 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Optional: grated zest of one lemon (for an extra freshness)

For the pie crust:
- 1 egg
- 9 tablespoons of milk
- 9 tablespoons of sugar
- 7 tablespoons of oil (sunflower oil is ideal)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of vinegar (to activate the baking powder)
- 500 g flour (you can use type 000 flour for a finer texture)

Step by step: How to make homemade pumpkin pie

1. Preparing the pumpkin: Start by peeling the pumpkin. Cut it into cubes and sauté it in a pan with a little oil, adding the sugar and vanilla sugar. Cook it on low heat for about 30 minutes, until the pumpkin softens and releases its juice. This step is essential for achieving a sweet and aromatic filling. If desired, you can add the grated lemon zest for a fresher taste.

2. Preparing the crust: In a large bowl, beat the egg with the sugar until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes frothy. Gradually add the milk and oil, mixing well. In another bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder and add the vinegar to activate the ingredients. Pour the liquid mixture over the flour and knead a homogeneous dough, but not too elastic. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

3. Assembling the pie: After the dough has chilled, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured work surface, roll out the first piece of dough and place it in the baking dish lined with parchment paper. Evenly spread the pumpkin filling over the crust. Roll out the second piece of dough and place it over the filling, pricking it here and there with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

4. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until it becomes golden and crispy. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes of baking to avoid a drop in internal temperature.

5. Cooling and serving: Once the pie is ready, let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then you can transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Before serving, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top. This pie is delicious both warm and cold, perfect alongside a scoop of ice cream or a cup of tea.

Practical tips and variations

- If you want to personalize the filling, you can add chopped nuts or raisins to the pumpkin for an extra texture and flavor.
- You can replace regular sugar with brown sugar to give the filling a more caramelized taste.
- Instead of oil, you can use melted butter, which will enhance the flavor of the crust.
- For a healthier version, you can try adding a little yogurt instead of milk, which will make the dough softer.

Nutritional benefits

Pumpkin is an ingredient rich in vitamins, especially vitamin A, which is essential for eye and skin health. It is also a good source of fiber, which aids digestion. Additionally, this dessert has a moderate calorie content, making it a better choice compared to other cakes that are very high in sugar and fats.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned pumpkin? Yes, you can use canned pumpkin, but make sure it is 100% pumpkin and not a filling with sugar or other ingredients.

2. How can I store the pie? You can keep the pie at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.

3. Can the pie be made gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make a dough compatible with your diet.

This homemade pumpkin pie is more than just a dessert; it is an invitation to spend time in the kitchen, to enjoy the flavors of autumn, and to share special moments with loved ones. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the filling: 1 kg of pumpkin (I added 200 grams more to make it :)) 200 g sugar 2 packets of vanilla sugar Ingredients for the dough: 1 egg 9 tablespoons of milk (I used regular milk) 9 tablespoons of sugar 7 tablespoons of oil 1 pinch of baking powder 1 teaspoon of vinegar 500 g flour

 Tags:  homemade pumpkin pie