| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 55 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | 476 |
| fat | 18g |
| saturates | 11g |
| carbs | 77g |
| sugars | 48g |
| fibre | 5g |
| protein | 4g |
| salt | 0.21g |
There is something truly magical about this Quince Crumble Pie, a recipe that calls me back to the comforts of home while presenting an exciting adventure on the taste buds. Steeped in the natural sweetness and tartness of quinces, this pie is embedded in both the simplicity of Southern home cooking and the spice-inflected complexity emblematic of West African cuisine.
An Emblem of Fusion Cuisine
As the daughter of Nigerian parents and raised in the heart of Atlanta, I’ve always strived to marry both cuisines, delineating an extraordinary symphony of flavor. The Quince Crumble Pie is a perfect example of that fusion – it comfortably takes a seat at a classic Southern Sunday brunch and not out of place at a Nigerian family gathering. The marriage of spices, namely nutmeg and cinnamon, provides a flavorful nod to my West African heritage while the buttery crumble and the fruit base whisk you away to a quaint, sun-kissed Southern morning.
Sweet, Meet Healthy
But beyond the taste that leaves you yearning for another slice, this Quince Crumble Pie also has a generous nod towards health. Quince, the star of our pie, is a fruit not as commonly used but packed with significant health benefits. Packed with vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, and other nutrients, they work silently behind the scenes as their tart and subtly sweet flavor are highlighted in the pie. They also are rich in fiber, lending to good digestive health [source].
A Versatile Star
Its simplicity lends the Quince Crumble Pie a versatility that few recipes can boast. Enjoy it as a complement to your coffee for breakfast, an indulgent addition to your brunch spread, or as a decadent dessert after dinner. It pairs beautifully with dishes like roasted turkey or baked chicken for the main course. For a light yet delicious meal, combine it with a fresh garden salad. Or even serve it alongside classics such as jollof rice, transporting you to a grand West African feast without leaving your dining room.
No matter when or how you choose to enjoy it, the Quince Crumble Pie never fails to impress. It is this amalgamation of flavors, all hailing from different parts of my identity, and the inherent health benefits that make this recipe a perpetual favorite
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 5 cups of peeled and sliced quinces
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 3/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 unbaked pie crust
Method
Step One
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Then, press your unbaked pie crust into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced quinces with the granulated sugar and lemon juice. Stir well to ensure that all the quince slices are well-coated. Set the bowl aside.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. This will form the base for your crumble topping.
Step Four
Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and add it to the crumble mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it forms small crumbles.
Step Five
In another bowl, combine the brown sugar and the vanilla extract. Add this mixture to your crumble mixture and stir to combine.
Step Six
Now, pour the quince mixture into the prepared pie crust. Make sure to distribute it evenly.
Step Seven
Spread the crumble mixture over the top of the quinces in the pie crust, pressing lightly to make sure it adheres.
Step Eight
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden and the quinces are tender. If the pie starts to brown too much on the edges, you can cover it with some aluminum foil.
Step Nine
Before serving, let the pie cool to warm or room temperature. Enjoy your Quince Crumble Pie!
