Lenten pie with mushrooms

Lenten Mushroom Pie: A Culinary Indulgence for Everyone

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

The history of mushroom pie is fascinating. This delicacy has been prepared over the centuries as a way to celebrate seasonal ingredients and provide a nourishing and filling meal without using meat. Lenten mushroom pie is not only a delicious choice but also a perfect option for those looking to experience lighter eating or simply enjoy a vegetarian lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 400 g wheat flour (choose a quality flour for a fluffier dough)
- 200 ml lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid activating the yeast prematurely)
- 7 g dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 3 tablespoons oil (olive or sunflower, for a more intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavors)

For the filling:
- 2 cans of mushrooms (approximately 500 g) or fresh mushrooms (for a more authentic taste)
- 1 bunch of green onions (for added freshness and flavor)
- 100 g margarine (to add a rich taste)

For brushing:
- 100 g margarine (to achieve a golden and delicious crust)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and dry yeast. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution of the yeast. Gradually add the lukewarm water and oil, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

2. Rising the Dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. This is a good time to prepare the filling to save time.

3. Preparing the Filling
In a saucepan, add the cubed margarine and let it melt over medium heat. Add the finely chopped green onions and well-drained mushrooms. Cook the mixture for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms start to soften and the onions become translucent. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

4. Forming the Pie
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured work surface, roll out the first part of the dough into a thin sheet, large enough to cover the bottom of a 28 cm tray (you can use a round or rectangular tray, depending on your preference). Place the sheet in the tray lined with baking paper or greased with margarine.

5. Adding the Filling
Let the first sheet rise for 15-20 minutes, then brush it with melted margarine and spread the mushroom filling evenly over the entire surface.

6. Covering the Pie
Roll out the second sheet of dough and place it over the filling. Make sure to fold the edges underneath to seal the pie. Brushing each sheet with margarine will add extra flavor and a crispy crust.

7. Baking the Pie
Brush the surface of the pie with melted margarine and place the tray in the preheated oven at 180°C. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the pie is golden and crispy.

8. Cooling and Serving
After removing the pie from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it. This is a delicious pie that can be served warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh vegetable salad or a flavored yogurt sauce.

Practical tips:
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, use fresh mushrooms instead of canned ones. In this case, it is recommended to sauté them slightly before adding them to the filling.
- You can experiment with other herbs, such as dill or parsley, to add extra flavor to the filling.
- This pie is perfect to be served as an appetizer at a festive meal or as a light and filling lunch.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of mushroom pie contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of margarine used. Mushrooms are an excellent source of plant protein, fiber, and vitamins, and this recipe is a healthy option for a Lenten meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace margarine with butter?
Yes, if you are not following a Lenten diet, butter can be an excellent alternative for a richer taste.

2. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! You can add spinach, zucchini, or grated carrots to vary the filling and bring more nutrients.

3. How can I store the pie?
Keep the pie covered in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

Experiment with this Lenten mushroom pie recipe and turn it into a family favorite! Cooking is an art, and each recipe can become a unique story, full of flavor and joy.