Plum pie

Plum Pie - A Rustic Recipe Full of Nostalgia

In every corner of the world, sweets remind us of beautiful moments from childhood. Plum pie, also known as 'lichiu', is a recipe that evokes pleasant memories, especially for those who grew up among Saxons and Hungarians. This pie, with its sweet dough and aromatic plum filling, is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee, bringing a touch of warmth and comfort to any day.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 250 ml milk
- 80 ml oil or melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon

For the filling:
- 150 g sour cream (20% fat)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 kg plums
- Cinnamon (to taste)
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine 100 ml of warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. Add the dry yeast and let the mixture sit for 10-12 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for your dough to rise beautifully.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt and grated lemon zest. The latter will give a special fragrance to the dough. After the yeast has activated, pour the yeast mixture over the flour. With your hands, gently mix, adding the beaten eggs and the remaining warm milk in which you dissolved the sugar.

3. Kneading the dough: Continue to knead with your hands until the dough becomes smooth and no longer sticks to your hands. If necessary, you can add a little oil or melted butter to achieve a finer texture. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the plums: Meanwhile, wash the plums and remove the pits. If you want a more intense flavor, you can cut them in halves or quarters. Set them aside for later use.

5. Rolling out the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll each piece of dough into thin sheets. Place each sheet in a greased baking dish, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

6. Preparing the filling: In a small bowl, beat the egg and add the sour cream along with the powdered sugar. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. This filling will give the pie a creamy and delicious note.

7. Assembling the pie: Spread the first sheet of dough with the sour cream filling, then place the plum halves cut side up. Sprinkle cinnamon over the plums and, if desired, you can brush them with a little sour cream for extra flavor.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the dough turns golden and fluffy.

9. Serving: Once the pie is baked, let it cool slightly before dusting it with powdered sugar. This will give it an elegant look and a sweet taste. You can serve the pie warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sour cream.

Useful tips:
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can replace sugar with honey or natural sweeteners.
- Instead of plums, you can use other seasonal fruits, such as apples or peaches, to vary the taste.
- For an extra flavor, add some chopped nuts to the filling.

Nutritional benefits:
Plum pie is not only delicious but also full of nutrients. Plums are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber, which aids digestion. Combined with milk and eggs, this pie offers a balance of proteins and carbohydrates, making it a suitable choice for a sweet snack.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen plums?
Yes, frozen plums can be used, but make sure to thaw them first and drain them well.
2. How can I store the pie?
The pie stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week. It can be reheated in the oven to regain its crispy texture.
3. Can I make the dough a day in advance?
Of course! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before using it.

This plum pie is the perfect choice for a family gathering or simply to indulge after a long day. So, don’t hesitate! Put on your apron and enjoy the magic of cooking! Enjoy your meal!