| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh salal berries | 4 cups |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Refrigerated pie crusts | 1 package |
| Egg yolk | 1 |
| Water | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar for topping | 1 tablespoon |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 227 | 9g | 4g | 33g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 17g | 2g | 3g | 0.45g |
As a native from New England, my culinary heart will always have a place for the briny taste of seafood that reminds one of the spectacular swirl of waves against the Maine coast. However, another dish that tugs at my culinary affections, quite different but no less delightful is the Salal Berry Pie. This unique, fruit-based delight opens up a world of flavors that elegantly walk the line between tart and sweet.
Diving into the Delight that is Salal Berry Pie
When you first bite into a slice of Salal Berry Pie, prepare to be hurled into a sensory experience like no other. The delicate, tart flavor of the Salal berries combined with the sweet sugar crust is an explosion of flavor that leaves you craving another bite immediately. It’s a beautiful medley of textures too – the buttery crust contrasting with the plush softness of its fruity filling. This pie is akin to classic American fruit pie recipes like apple pie or blackberry pie, but the Salal Berry gives it a unique twist, bringing a touch of the Northwest to your dessert plate.
Health Benefits and Perfect Pairings
Despite its delicious flavor, the Salal Berry Pie isn’t simply a feel-good dessert. It’s rich in antioxidants due to the salal berries, packed with vitamins and minerals that boost overall health. Tall glass of milk aside, this pie could easily be paired with a light, cream-based dessert, or simple homemade vanilla ice cream to cut through its slight tart edge. You could even go a step further, and serve it as a side on Thanksgiving, or at a summer barbeque.
So, whether you are looking for a change from seafood flavors synonymous with New England, or simply want to try out a new dessert recipe with health benefits, Salal Berry Pie might just become one of your new favorites. The charm of this pie lies in the fact that it’s as versatile as it is delicious – comfort food, celebratory dessert or even a mid-day snack, it checks all boxes with effortless ease.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 4 cups of fresh salal berries
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, for topping
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Take out your package of refrigerated pie crusts and allow it to become room temperature.
Step Two
In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Add the 4 cups of fresh salal berries and gently toss until the berries are coated. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the berry mixture and stir gently again.
Step Three
Lay out one of the pie crusts in your pie dish. Pour the berry mixture into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top of the berry mixture with 1 tablespoon of butter, cut into small pieces.
Step Four
Place the second pie crust on top of the berry-butter layer. Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. You may also flute the edges of the two pie crusts together to seal in the filling.
Step Five
In a small bowl, beat together 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of water. With a pastry brush, brush this mixture over the top pie crust. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar evenly over the glossy crust.
Step Six
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes, until the crust is golden and the berry filling is bubbling. You may wish to place a cookie sheet or piece of aluminum foil on the oven rack beneath the pie to catch any potential drips.
Step Seven
Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set. Enjoy your delicious homemade Salal Berry Pie!
