Blackberry Pie

Blackcurrant Pie - A Delight from Memories

Do you remember the moments from your childhood when you comfortably sat in front of the television, waiting to see the adventures of Tom and Jerry? One of the most delightful memories is when Jerry threw blackcurrant pies, and you desperately wished you could taste that delicacy. Now, years later, I propose to bring that pleasure back into your kitchen by preparing a blackcurrant pie that will indulge you with its sweet and tangy flavor.

Why blackcurrants?
Blackcurrants are wonderful fruits, full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Besides being delicious, they are also very healthy. Rich in vitamin C, they help strengthen the immune system and are excellent for skin health. Fresh blackcurrants, picked from the garden or the forest, offer an intense taste and unmistakable aroma.

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 40-45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 250 g flour
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 1-2 tablespoons of cold milk (if necessary)
- 500 g fresh or frozen blackcurrants
- 2 teaspoons of starch

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by preparing the pie dough. In a large bowl, add the butter cut into cubes. Use a mixer or spatula to cream it together with the powdered sugar until you get a fluffy and light mixture. It is essential to pay attention to this step, as a well-made foam will give a fluffy texture to the dough.

Add the egg and mix well to incorporate it. Then, sift the flour into the bowl and gently mix until the dough starts to form. If you notice that the dough is too crumbly and does not hold together well, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of cold milk, mixing constantly.

Step 2: Resting the dough
Once the dough is homogeneous, form a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps relax the gluten, making the dough easier to roll out and flakier.

Step 3: Baking the dough
Preheat the oven to 180°C. After the dough has rested, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll it out with a rolling pin until you reach a thickness of about 3-5 mm. Carefully place it in a round baking pan lined with parchment paper, ensuring that the dough covers the edges as well.

To prevent the dough from puffing up during baking, place a few beans or special baking weights on the bottom of the dough. Bake the pie in the oven for 20 minutes until it turns lightly golden.

Step 4: Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the blackcurrant filling. In a pot, add the blackcurrants (fresh or frozen) and heat them over low heat. It is important not to boil them, but just to warm them up to release their juices. After a few minutes, add the starch mixed with 2-3 tablespoons of cold water to thicken the filling. Mix well until the composition becomes homogeneous and remove it from the heat.

Step 5: Assembling the pie
Remove the pan from the oven and remove the beans or weights. Carefully pour the blackcurrant filling over the baked dough. Smooth it out with a spatula, then return the pan to the oven for another 20-25 minutes until the filling is well cooked and the dough turns golden.

Step 6: Serving the pie
After the pie is baked, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it. Serve it warm or at room temperature, plain or with a dollop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast. Pairing it with a splash of coffee or a fragrant tea will turn the dessert into a complete experience.

Recipe variations
If you want to experiment, you can replace the blackcurrants with other berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches. You can also add a hint of flavor by incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of vanilla essence into the filling.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen blackcurrants?
Yes, frozen blackcurrants are excellent! Make sure to let them thaw before using and drain any excess water.

2. How can I tell if the pie is well-baked?
The filling should be firm and not runny. If the dough is golden, then the pie is ready!

3. Can I prepare the pie in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the pie a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. You can gently reheat it before serving.

Nutritional benefits
This blackcurrant pie is not only delicious but also beneficial for health. Blackcurrants are rich in antioxidants, contributing to heart health and reducing inflammation. They also contain fiber, which aids digestion.

Conclusion
By making this blackcurrant pie, you will not only recreate a childhood dessert but also bring joy to your loved ones. With every bite, you will enjoy the flavor of fresh fruits and the perfect texture of the dough. So embrace this simple and quick recipe and let yourself be carried away by delicious memories!