Doughs and pastries - Pumpkin pie with walnuts by Madalina E. - Recipia
Pumpkin walnut pie is a recipe that combines the warm aroma of autumn with the tradition and goodness of homemade desserts. This pie is not just a simple dessert, but a story cooked with love, bringing family and friends together around the table. Here is a detailed version of the recipe that will help you achieve a perfect result every time.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:

For the filling:
- 1 medium-sized pie pumpkin (approximately 1 kg)
- 150 g sugar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 250-300 g chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon butter or margarine to sauté the pumpkin

For the dough:
- 2 eggs
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons oil
- 5 tablespoons sweet milk
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 baking powder
- 370 g flour
- A pinch of salt

Preparing the filling:

1. Start by peeling the pumpkin. Remove the skin and seeds, then grate it using a large grater. This step is essential for achieving a smooth and delicious filling.

2. In a large skillet, add the grated pumpkin along with 150 g of sugar, cinnamon, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon of butter. Sauté the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pumpkin softens and reduces in volume, about 15-20 minutes. Here, the butter will add a rich flavor and help with the gentle caramelization of the sugar.

3. Once the filling has cooled, add the chopped walnuts and mix well. The walnuts will not only add a crunchy texture but will also enrich the flavor of the pie.

Preparing the dough:

1. In a large bowl, beat the two eggs with 5 tablespoons of sugar until the mixture becomes frothy. Add the oil, sweet milk, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt, mixing well.

2. In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or with your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Be careful, you need to work quickly with the dough, as it should not rise too much.

3. Divide the dough into two equal parts (about 185 g each) and form two balls. Wrap them in plastic wrap and let them rest for 10 minutes.

Assembling the pie:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the pie from sticking.

2. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the first ball of dough into a thin sheet, large enough to cover the bottom of the tray.

3. Place the sheet of dough in the tray, making sure to spread it evenly over the entire surface.

4. Pour the pumpkin walnut filling over the dough, distributing it evenly.

5. Roll out the second ball of dough and carefully place it over the filling. It is important not to stretch the dough too much to avoid breaking it.

6. Use a knife to make a few small cuts in the top dough to allow steam to escape during baking.

Baking the pie:

1. Place the tray in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 40 minutes or until the pie turns golden and beautifully browned.

2. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then cut it while warm, dusting it with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

3. Place the slices on a platter and let them cool completely. Served warm or at room temperature, pumpkin walnut pie is a dessert that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones.

Serving suggestions:

Pumpkin walnut pie is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream, which will perfectly contrast the sweetness of the pumpkin. A caramel or chocolate sauce will add an extra touch of refinement.

Frequently asked questions:

1. What kind of pumpkin is best for pie?
Pie pumpkin is ideal, but you can also use butternut squash or sugar pumpkin for a sweet taste and smooth texture.

2. Can I use roasted nuts?
Yes, roasted nuts will add an intense flavor and a crunchy texture to the pie.

3. How can I store the pie?
The pie keeps well covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for a week, but it is best consumed fresh.

Nutritional benefits:

Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamins (A, C, E) and minerals (potassium, magnesium), being rich in antioxidants and fiber. Walnuts add protein and healthy fats, contributing to a nutritious dessert.

Possible variations:

- Replace walnuts with almonds or pistachios for a different texture.
- Add some raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for a more complex flavor.
- Use spices like nutmeg or ginger to diversify the flavor of the pie.

Now that you have all this information, all that’s left is to get started on making the pumpkin walnut pie! I wish you good luck in cooking and enjoy your meal!
Doughs and pastries - Pumpkin pie with walnuts by Madalina E. - Recipia

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