Fall - the cake of autumn's descent

Delicious Pumpkin Pie: An Autumn Indulgence

Autumn brings not only a vibrant palette of colors but also a wealth of seasonal flavors and ingredients that delight our senses. Inspired by this ephemeral beauty, I created a pumpkin pie, a simple and savory recipe perfect for bringing a touch of warmth to chilly days. This pie is not just a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to celebrate the season.

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

Ingredients

- 1/2 medium pumpkin (approximately 500 g)
- 1 large cup of sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 1 large cup of melted butter or Rama margarine (approximately 200 g)
- 600 g of flour
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of crushed walnuts
- 1-2 tablespoons of Kotanyi cinnamon (to taste)
- 1/2 banana (optional, for decoration)
- A pinch of salt

Preparing the Dough

1. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, melted butter, egg, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Knead the dough well until it becomes smooth and elastic. Don't be afraid to use your hands; this process is very satisfying!

2. Chilling the Dough: Once you have a uniform dough, form it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a flaky and crispy crust.

Preparing the Pumpkin Filling

3. Preparing the Pumpkin: Meanwhile, peel the pumpkin and grate it finely. Place it in a bowl and let it drain of excess water for about 10 minutes. Fresh pumpkin is key to a rich flavor.

4. Mixing the Filling: In another bowl, mix the grated pumpkin with sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and crushed walnuts. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

Assembling the Pie

5. Forming the Crust: After the dough has chilled, take it out and divide it into two parts: one larger for the base and one smaller for decoration. Roll out the larger dough on a floured surface until you get a thin sheet. Transfer the sheet to the pie dish, shaping it along the edges with your hands.

6. Filling the Pie: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the pie crust, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Creating the Decoration

7. Shaping Decorative Elements: With the remaining dough, shape leaves, grapes, or any other forms that inspire you. Use a toothpick to create the veins of the leaves, adding beautiful details.

8. Final Decoration: Place the decorative shapes on top of the pumpkin filling, creating a pleasing arrangement. If desired, you can add a few banana slices in the center for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Baking the Pie

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is well cooked.

Serving

10. Cooling and Serving: Let the pie cool slightly before slicing. You can serve the pie warm, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream. It’s a perfect combination that will delight your taste buds!

Practical Tips

- Choosing the Pumpkin: Opt for a sweet pumpkin, such as Hokkaido or butternut, which offers a rich flavor and fine texture.
- Vegan Option: You can replace the butter with vegan margarine and the egg with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2 tablespoons of water.
- Storing the Pie: This pie keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but I recommend enjoying it as soon as possible to savor the freshness of the pumpkin.

Nutritional Information

This pumpkin pie is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to a healthy diet. A serving of pie provides about 250 calories, making it a lighter choice compared to other rich desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use canned pumpkin? Absolutely! Canned pumpkin is an excellent alternative and saves time. Just make sure it’s unsweetened.
- What other spices can I use? You can add nutmeg, ginger, or even vanilla to diversify the flavor.
- How can I vary the recipe? Replace some of the flour with ground almonds or add dark chocolate for a flavor contrast.

Conclusion

This pumpkin pie is more than just a simple dessert; it’s a true celebration of autumn, bringing together the classic flavors of the season in an elegant presentation. I encourage you to play with shapes and decorations, adding your personal touch to each pie. Enjoy every slice surrounded by loved ones, and let this dessert become part of your autumn traditions!