Pumpkin pie

Pumpkin pie is an inviting dessert that revives childhood memories and brings us the taste of authentic and comforting flavors. This classic recipe is perfect not only for the cold season but also for any occasion when we want to indulge our taste buds. I invite you to follow the steps of this delicious recipe, and in the end, you will have a pumpkin pie with a rich aroma, a pleasant texture, and a special appearance.

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

Ingredients

For the shortcrust pastry:
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of water
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 450 g flour
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of baking soda

For the filling:
- 2 kg pumpkin
- 200 g sugar
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 100 g roasted walnuts (ground)
- 50 g raisins
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

For the sponge cake:
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 100 g powdered sugar (for decoration)

Brief history

Pumpkin pie has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a symbol of bountiful harvests and united communities. This dessert has evolved over the years, adapting to available ingredients and local tastes. Regardless of the variations we encounter today, pumpkin pie remains a beloved dessert, bringing joy and comfort to those who savor it.

Preparation instructions

1. Preparing the shortcrust pastry

- Step 1: In a large bowl, cream the soft butter with the sugar until it becomes a creamy mixture.
- Step 2: Add the egg, lemon juice and zest, as well as the water. Use a whisk to mix well, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
- Step 3: Gradually incorporate the flour, baking soda, and vanilla sugar. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition, similar to sour cream.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough cool in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step will help the dough become easier to roll out.

2. Preparing the pumpkin filling

- Step 1: Peel the pumpkin and remove the seeds, then grate it on a large grater. This will add a pleasant texture and sweet aroma.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, sauté the grated pumpkin with the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid sticking.
- Step 3: After about 10 minutes, add the cinnamon, roasted walnuts, and raisins. Mix well to combine the flavors and let it cool.

3. Assembling the pie

- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Step 2: In a pie dish, roll out the cooled dough into a sheet about 1 cm thick. Use a fork to poke holes in the dough all over, so it doesn’t puff up during baking.
- Step 3: Bake the dough in the oven for 15-20 minutes until it turns lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.

4. Preparing the sponge cake

- Step 1: In a bowl, beat the 2 eggs with the 2 tablespoons of sugar until it becomes a fluffy mixture.
- Step 2: Add the flour and mix gently to avoid lumps.
- Step 3: After the pumpkin filling has cooled, pour the sponge mixture into a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off. Draw lines of sponge over the pumpkin mixture.

5. Final baking

- Step 1: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the sponge cake.
- Step 2: Bake the pie for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the oven. Check occasionally to avoid burning.
- Step 3: Let the pie cool before cutting it.

Practical tips

- Choose the right pumpkin: Pie pumpkin is best for this recipe, as it has a creamy texture and natural sweetness.
- Add nuts: If you want to add extra texture, you can also include roasted almonds or hazelnuts in the filling.
- Serving: Pumpkin pie is delicious served warm, with a dollop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream on top. It can also be enjoyed with a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flavor.
- Variations: Replace cinnamon with ginger or nutmeg for a different flavor. You can also experiment with adding orange juice to the filling for an even more interesting taste.

Nutritional benefits

Pumpkin is rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice. Consuming pumpkin can help improve vision health and support the immune system. Additionally, the pumpkin filling provides a significant amount of carbohydrates, perfect for providing energy.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned pumpkin?
Yes, canned pumpkin can be used, but make sure to choose a product without added sugar or spices.

2. How can I store pumpkin pie?
The pie stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. It can be reheated in the oven to regain its texture.

3. Is it hard to make the sponge cake?
No, the sponge cake is simple to make. Just make sure to beat the eggs well with the sugar to achieve an airy texture.

Now that you have the complete recipe, feel free to try it and adapt it to your tastes! Pumpkin pie is a dessert that will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy each slice and let yourself be carried away by the warm flavors of autumn!

 Ingredients: 1. Tender dough 1 egg 3 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons water 1 lemon peel and juice 1 package butter (200g) 450g flour 1 sachet vanilla sugar 1 pinch baking soda Filling 2 kg pumpkin pie 200g sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon 100g roasted walnuts 50g raisins 2 sachets vanilla sugar Sponge cake 2 eggs 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons flour 100g powdered sugar