Plum and Grape Pie

Plum and Grape Pie - A Sweet and Aromatic Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 8-10

On a beautiful autumn day, I was inspired to create a pie that pays tribute to seasonal fruits. Thus, this delicious recipe for plum and grape pie was born, a quick dessert with an incredible texture and an amazing taste! If you are a cooking enthusiast, this recipe will not only give you the satisfaction of making something good but also an opportunity to impress your loved ones.

A Brief History of Plum Pie

Pies are a symbol of traditional gastronomy, having been prepared throughout history in various cultures. The combination of fruits with dough has been used in different forms, and plum pies are often associated with the bountiful harvests of autumn. The addition of grapes to this recipe brings a fresh note and a pleasant contrast between the sweetness of the plum and the juiciness of the grapes.

Necessary Ingredients

*For the dough:*

- 5 eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 240 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence)
- 240 ml oil (sunflower or olive, according to preference)
- 90 ml milk
- 420 g flour
- 1 baking powder

*For the filling:*

- 500 g plums (large, ripe, but firm)
- 150 g red (or pink) grapes
- 4-5 tablespoons of sugar (for plums)
- 2-3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs (optional, to absorb the juice)

Preparing the Plum and Grape Pie

1. Preparing the oven and the tray
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Line a 30 x 20 cm tray with baking paper or grease it well with butter to prevent the pie from sticking.

2. Preparing the fruits
Wash the plums under cold running water, then split them in half and remove the pits. If the plums are very juicy, you can cut each half into quarters. Mix the plums with sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, setting them aside to sweeten. Wash the grapes and remove them from the bunch, then keep them for decoration.

3. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a creamy and glossy mixture. Incorporate the egg yolks, one at a time, mixing on low speed. Then add the oil and milk, mixing gently.

4. Adding the dry ingredients
Sift the flour together with the baking powder and incorporate them into the egg mixture. Use the mixer on low speed to avoid lumps. The mixture should be smooth and easy to pour.

5. Assembling the pie
Pour the dough into the prepared tray. Place the plums cut side up, sprinkling the grapes in between. If you chose to use breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the fruit now to absorb excess juice during baking.

6. Baking
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dough turns golden and passes the toothpick test. Check the pie by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

7. Cooling and serving
When the pie is ready, let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can dust it with powdered sugar for a more attractive appearance, although I prefer to serve it plain to let the fruit flavors shine!

Serving Suggestions and Combinations

This plum and grape pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for added flavor. Additionally, a cup of complementary tea or coffee would make this dessert an unforgettable moment.

Variations and Useful Tips

- You can experiment with other fruits, such as apples or peaches, instead of plums, or you can add chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
- If you want a less sweet pie, reduce the amount of sugar in the mixture or use natural sweeteners.
- Make sure not to skip the salt in the dough; it helps balance the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Nutritional Information

One serving of pie has approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the proportions of the ingredients. It provides carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, but it is important to consume it in moderation, considering the sugar content. Plums are an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of oil?
Yes, you can use olive oil, but make sure it is a quality one with a neutral taste.

2. How can I store the pie?
The pie keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days but can also be refrigerated to stay fresh longer.

3. Is this a suitable recipe for vegans?
For a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds or plant-based yogurt.

I invite you to venture into making this plum and grape pie! Each bite will bring a smile to your face and that of your loved ones. Enjoy!