Pumpkin pie

Pumpkin Pie - Delicious and Aromatic Recipe

Sunday is often a day dedicated to relaxation and rest. However, when your family insists on you preparing something tasty, you cannot resist! Today, I will share with you a pumpkin pie recipe that will delight both you and your loved ones. This pie is perfect for enjoying in the company of those dear to you, and its enticing aroma will turn any ordinary day into a celebration of flavor.

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

Ingredients for the Dough:
- 550 g flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 pinch of salt
- ½ packet of dry yeast

Ingredients for the Filling:
- 1.5 - 2 kg grated pumpkin (2 kg recommended for a rich filling)
- Sugar for filling, to taste
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional, to absorb excess water)
- Chopped nuts, optional, for added texture and flavor

Recipe History
Pumpkin pie has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a dish that has brought joy to many generations. It has often been associated with the cold season, especially prepared in the fall when pumpkin is at its peak of flavor and sweetness. Pumpkin pie is not just a dessert, but a true tradition that brings the family together around the table.

Preparing the Filling
1. Grating the Pumpkin: Start by peeling the pumpkin and grating it. This will be the base of your filling.
2. Sautéing the Pumpkin: In a pan, add the grated pumpkin along with sugar (about 100-150 g, depending on your sweetness preference) and let it sauté over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. The pumpkin will become soft and release its aromatic juices.
3. Seasoning: Once the pumpkin has softened, add the cinnamon and mix well. Transfer the mixture to a strainer to drain excess liquid. If you find the filling too watery, add the breadcrumbs, which will help absorb the liquid.

Preparing the Dough
1. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the dry yeast. Add the warm water, egg, vinegar, and sugar. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.
2. Kneading: Start kneading the dough, gradually adding the oil and salt. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Resting the Dough: Let the dough rest for 10 minutes covered with a clean towel to relax.

Assembling the Pie
1. Dividing the Dough: Divide the dough into three equal parts. On a floured working surface, roll each portion into a thin sheet.
2. Adding the Filling: Evenly distribute the filling on half of each sheet. If desired, you can sprinkle chopped nuts for added flavor.
3. Rolling the Pie: Roll each sheet into a log shape, tightening the ends well. Place the logs in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, forming a spiral.

Baking
1. Brushing: Beat an egg yolk with a little milk and brush the obtained spiral. This step will give the pie a golden and appetizing color.
2. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the pie for about 30-45 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Serving
Let the pie cool slightly before slicing. You can serve the pie with a dollop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a contrast of flavors. It is also perfect for a snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Practical Tips
- Vegan Option: You can replace the egg in the dough with a ripe banana or a mixture of water and ground flaxseeds.
- Intensified Pumpkin Flavor: For a more intense taste, you can add a splash of vanilla extract to the filling.
- Ease of Preparation: If you are in a hurry, you can use store-bought pie sheets. This will significantly reduce your preparation time.

Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I tell if the pumpkin is ready?: The pumpkin should be soft but not completely devoid of water. If it is too watery, continue cooking until the liquid evaporates.
- What type of pumpkin is best?: Use “sugar pumpkin” or pie pumpkin, which has a finer texture and sweeter taste.
- Can I freeze the pie?: Yes, you can freeze the pie, but it is recommended to slice it before freezing for easier enjoyment.

Nutritional Benefits
Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, contributing to skin health and the immune system. It is also a good source of fiber, making it beneficial for digestion.

Possible Variations
- Apple and Pumpkin Pie: Combine flavors and add some grated apples to the filling for a slightly tart taste.
- Extra Spices: You can experiment with ginger or nutmeg to give the pie a different flavor.

So, get ready to enjoy a delicious pumpkin pie that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones! This recipe is not just a simple dessert, but a cooking experience that will connect you with culinary traditions and fill your home with enticing aromas. Enjoy!