| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 550 | 27g | 14g | 68g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 45g | 7g | 9g | 0.74g |
Growing up in a home brimming with Italian-American culinary traditions, I’ve always felt a profound respect for the power of food to connect us to our roots. Inspired by my nonna and nonno’s vibrant, flavour-rich meals, I’ve cultivated a love for simple but triumphant dishes that carry a hint of nostalgia. A recipe that feels particularly close to my heart is the vegetable-based Ahipa Pie. This dish, dear reader, is a love letter to the versatility of vegetarian cooking, a testament to the symphony of flavours that can be achieved with the right blend of elements. Serve up a slice—preferably alongside a robust red wine—and you’ll see what I mean.
A Wealth of Wellness
I must tip my hat to the star of this recipe—a vegetable as underestimated as it is nutritionally rich—the humble ahipa [source]. This unique root hailing from the Andes brims with fiber and low-glycemic sugars, assisting in digestive health and blood sugar control. Mix in a dose of cinnamon – adding a rich depth of flavor while enhancing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory treasures – and you have a pie that provides flavorful splendor along with a serious health high-five.
Building Bridges to Other Flavors
Our Ahipa Pie possesses a flavour profile that’s pleasantly versatile, mingling in harmony with a variety of dishes. Its natural sweetness, enhanced with a pinch of sugar and butter, complements savory dishes wonderfully. Picture a roasted chicken prepared with an herb rub or perhaps barbecued ribs that have been slow-cooked to perfection. This pie is not too dissimilar in soul to a classic pumpkin or sweet potato pie, delivering that perfect balance of sweet and savory that lends a distinctive layer to your meal. No matter the main course, this dish proves a trustworthy companion, enhancing the spread with its delightful uniqueness.
But, if you’re like me — a grandfather who not only bonds with his grandchildren over food but also likes to stay active — pairing this dessert with some whipped cream and chopped fruits not only makes it more vibrant but also more balanced. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or savoring a slice post-hike, Ahipa Pie effortlessly fuses health and heartiness. And that, dear reader, is why this recipe holds a special place on my list.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of peeled and cubed ahipa
- 1 and 1/2 cups of white sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup of butter, melted
- 1 cup of evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie shells
- 1 cup of whipped cream (optional)
- 1 cup of chopped assorted fruits for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Step Two
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the peeled and cubed ahipa to the boiling water. Cook until they are tender, then drain and allow to cool.
Step Three
Mash the cooled ahipa and measure out 2 cups. Place in a large mixing bowl.
Step Four
Add white sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon to the bowl of mashed ahipa. Stir until the ingredients are well-combined.
Step Five
Crack the eggs into the bowl, then pour the melted butter, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract into the mixture. Stir everything together until it is well-blended.
Step Six
Divide the ahipa mixture evenly between the two unbaked pie shells, spreading it out with a spatula to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
Step Seven
Place the pie shells in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After this, reduce the oven’s temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue to bake for another 45 to 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of the pies comes out clean.
Step Eight
Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
Step Nine
Just before serving, if desired, garnish each slice of pie with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of chopped assorted fruits.
Step Ten
Enjoy your homemade Ahipa Pie!
