Pear pie

Pear and Parmesan Pie: a delicacy that perfectly combines sweet and savory

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Pear pie is a dessert that has gained popularity due to its unique combination of flavors. This recipe, inspired by culinary traditions, will bring a touch of elegance and taste to your table. The baked pears and Parmesan blend in a perfect dance of textures and aromas, and the final appearance will delight your eyes and taste buds. Let's see how you can prepare this delicacy step by step!

Ingredients

For the filling:
- 2-3 ripe pears (choose pears that are firm but not too soft, to withstand baking)
- 50 g sugar (you can adjust the amount depending on how sweet the pears are)
- 80 g grated Parmesan (use quality Parmesan for an intense flavor)
- 30 g butter (for flavor and a touch of richness)

For the dough:
- 150 ml warm water (make sure it is not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast (check the expiration date for optimal activity)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- Flour as needed (about 300 g, but it depends on humidity)
- A pinch of salt (to enhance the flavors)
- 100 g butter (at room temperature, to be easier to incorporate into the dough)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the dry yeast, one teaspoon of sugar, and 2-3 tablespoons of warm water. Gently mix and let it rise for 10 minutes, covered with a clean towel.
2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, place about 300 g of flour and add a pinch of salt. After the yeast has risen, add it to the bowl with flour, along with the remaining warm water. Mix until a homogeneous dough forms.
3. Kneading: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes elastic and non-sticky. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Rising: Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. Preparing the pears: Meanwhile, peel the pears, remove the seeds, and slice them thinly. They will develop a pleasant texture when baked.
2. Caramelizing: In a baking dish lined with parchment paper, sprinkle 50 g of sugar and small cubes of butter. Arrange the pear slices in a circle, evenly covering the bottom of the dish. Bake in the preheated oven at 200°C for 15-20 minutes, until the pears become soft.

Step 3: Assembling the pie
1. Adding the Parmesan: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the caramelized pears.
2. Rolling out the dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface until it reaches a thickness of 2-3 mm. Use a lid or knife to cut the dough according to the shape of the dish.
3. Assembling: Cover the pears with the rolled-out dough, making sure to leave small holes to allow steam to escape. You can prick it with a fork for a rustic look and to prevent puffing.
4. Baking: Put the dish back in the oven at 190°C and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough turns golden and crispy.

Step 4: Serving
1. Inverting the pie: Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, invert it onto a platter and sprinkle a little Parmesan on top for added flavor.
2. Serving suggestions: It is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a contrast of flavors.

Practical tips
- Selecting the pears: Choose ripe but firm pears to avoid them breaking down during baking.
- Filling variations: You can add pecans or ground almonds for extra texture.
- Dough care: If you prefer a crispier dough, let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Nutritional information
This pear and Parmesan pie offers an interesting combination of carbohydrates from flour and sugar, protein from Parmesan, and fiber from pears, making it a healthier choice for a dessert. One serving contains approximately 280 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of pears? Absolutely! Apples or peaches are excellent alternatives.
2. Is yeast necessary for the dough? No, you can use store-bought puff pastry to save time.
3. How can I store the pie? You can keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

This pear and Parmesan pie is more than just a simple dessert; it is a culinary experience that will transport you into a world of flavors and textures. Share it with your loved ones and enjoy every bite!