Pumpkin / apple pie

Delicious Pumpkin and Apple Pie

Who doesn’t love the warm and comforting aroma of a freshly baked pie? This pumpkin or apple pie recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, the pie is perfect for any occasion, from gatherings with friends to holiday meals. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your preferences.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 egg
- 15 tablespoons of milk (lightly warmed)
- 13 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil for a neutral taste)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Flour, as needed (approximately 500-600 g, but it may vary depending on humidity and flour type)
- Sugar, for sprinkling

For the filling:
- 1-2 slices of pumpkin or 1 kg of apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples, such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious, for a pleasant flavor contrast)

A Brief History

Pies are a symbol of culinary tradition in many cultures, with deep roots in gastronomic history. The concept of wrapping filling in dough dates back to ancient times when homemakers prepared meals using available ingredients. This pumpkin or apple pie is a modern reinterpretation of a classic recipe, combining the natural sweetness of fruits with the fluffy texture of dough layers.

Preparing the Dough

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, except for the milk, which you will lightly warm. This step will help the yeast activate more quickly.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the cube of yeast and pour in the warm milk. Set aside for 5-10 minutes to activate. You’ll know it’s ready when a foam forms on top.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the egg with the oil, salt, and vanilla sugar. Add the activated yeast mixture and mix well.

4. Adding the flour: Start adding the flour, one tablespoon at a time, mixing constantly. Continue adding flour until the dough becomes smooth and no longer sticks to your hands. It’s important not to add too much flour at once to avoid a tough dough.

5. Resting the dough: Form a ball from the dough and let it rest in a warm place, covered with a clean towel, for 15-20 minutes. This step allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

Preparing the Filling

1. Preparing the pumpkin: If you choose to use pumpkin, peel it and cut it into small cubes. Boil it in salted water for about 10-15 minutes until soft. Drain well and let it cool.

2. Preparing the apples: If using apples, peel them, remove the seeds, and slice them thinly. You can add a little sugar and cinnamon for extra flavor.

Assembling the Pie

1. Dividing the dough: After the dough has rested, divide it into 3 equal parts.

2. Rolling out the layers: Use a rolling pin to roll each part of the dough into a thin layer. You can sprinkle a little flour on the work surface to prevent sticking.

3. Preparing the base layer: Place the first layer in a baking dish lined with parchment paper or greased with oil. Drizzle a little oil over the layer and sprinkle sugar on top.

4. Adding the filling: Evenly distribute the pumpkin or apple filling over the first layer. If you want a fluffier pie, you can add a second layer of dough on top of the filling.

5. Rolling the pie: If you prefer a rolled pie, you can gently roll the layer with filling. Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

6. Adding a final layer: If you choose to use 3 layers, place the last layer on top of the filling and repeat the drizzling process with oil and sugar.

Baking the Pie

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the pie for 40-45 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

3. Cooling: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting. This will help stabilize the filling.

Serving and Suggestions

This pumpkin or apple pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a truly special dessert. You can also add a caramel sauce or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of fruit?
Of course! This recipe works very well with other fruits like peaches, plums, or cherries.

2. How can I make the pie lower in calories?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and use olive oil instead of regular oil. You can also opt for whole wheat flour for a healthier version.

3. What are the best drink pairings?
This pie pairs perfectly with fruit tea or a refreshing lemonade. Additionally, a sweet wine could be an interesting choice for a festive meal.

Practical Tips

- Make sure to use quality flour to achieve a fluffy and tasty dough.
- If the dough is too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little flour, but don’t overdo it to avoid a very tough pie.
- If you want to save time, you can use store-bought pie sheets, but the taste will be much better with your homemade dough.

Enjoy every bite of this pumpkin or apple pie and let your imagination run wild! Whether you prepare it for yourself or for loved ones, it’s a dessert that will bring smiles and unforgettable memories.