Pumpkin pie

Pumpkin Pie - A Fall Delicacy

This pumpkin pie recipe is a wonderful choice to bring a touch of warmth and flavor to the chilly autumn days. The pumpkin, the star ingredient of this recipe, is renowned not only for its sweet and aromatic taste but also for the nutritional benefits it offers. Pumpkin pie is a versatile dessert, perfect for enjoying at a family meal or a gathering with friends. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delight step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 600 grams of flour
- 150 grams of powdered sugar
- 250 grams of butter (at room temperature)
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

For the filling:
- 1 kg of grated pumpkin (about 1 medium pumpkin)
- 200 grams of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 egg yolk for brushing

Preparing the Dough

1. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour, powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, and baking powder. These ingredients will form the perfect base for your pie.

2. Adding the wet ingredients: Add the grated lemon zest and soft butter to the dry mixture. Using a mixer or a whisk, incorporate the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.

3. Including the eggs: Add the remaining eggs and knead the mixture well. You will obtain a soft and slightly sticky dough.

4. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step is essential to make the dough easier to handle later.

Preparing the Filling

1. Preparing the pumpkin: Peel the pumpkin and grate it using a large grater. If you have a food processor, you can use it to save time.

2. Cooking the pumpkin: In a deep skillet, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and heat over low heat. Add the grated pumpkin and sauté, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes.

3. Adding the sugar and spices: Once the pumpkin has softened, add the sugar and cinnamon. Mix well and keep on the heat until the sugar completely melts and the filling becomes soft and fragrant. This is when all the wonderful aroma will fill the kitchen!

Assembling the Pie

1. Dividing the dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two equal parts.

2. Rolling out the dough: Between two sheets of parchment paper, roll out the first half of the dough with a rolling pin until you get a sheet the size of the baking tray you will use. Using the paper, transfer the dough to the tray.

3. Adding the filling: Pour the pumpkin filling over the dough in the tray, smoothing it out with a spatula.

4. Preparing the second half of the dough: Roll out the second part of the dough just like the first. Using a knife or a pastry cutter, cut the dough into long strips, similar to those used for lattice.

5. Forming the lattice: Arrange the strips of dough in a lattice pattern over the pumpkin filling. For a glossy appearance, brush the strips with an egg yolk mixed with a little water.

Baking the Pie

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. It is important for the pie to bake at a constant temperature to brown evenly.

2. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and bake the pie for 40-45 minutes or until it turns golden on top. The delicious smell of pumpkin and cinnamon will fill the kitchen!

3. Cooling: Once the pie is done, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving

Once the pie has cooled, slice it and sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an attractive appearance. This pumpkin pie pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of winter tea, adding an extra touch of flavor and comfort.

Practical Tips and Variations

- Fresh vs. canned pumpkin: If you want a quicker option, you can use canned pumpkin puree. Make sure it is free from additives or added sugar.
- Spices: Experiment with other spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to add a personal touch to the filling.
- Enriching the filling: Add some chopped nuts or ground almonds to the filling for added texture.

Nutritional Information

One slice of pumpkin pie (about 1/10 of the pie) contains approximately:
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of flour?: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it will change the texture of the pie.
- How can I store the pie?: The pie keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for a week.
- Can it be frozen?: Yes, the pie can be frozen. Wrap the portions well in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag.

This pumpkin pie is not only a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of tradition and warmth into your home. Once you try this recipe, you will want to repeat it season after season! Enjoy every slice and cherish the moments spent around the table with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: Dough: 600 g flour, 150 g powdered sugar, 250 g butter, 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, 1 packet vanilla sugar. Filling: 1 kg grated pumpkin, 200 g sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 egg yolk for brushing.