Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
300 | 12g | 4g | 45g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
28g | 2g | 3g | 0.3g |
There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade pie, and when you’re working with such a unique and delightful fruit like plums (sarguelas), the result is a treat that dances on the line between familiar and exotic. When I crafted this Sarguelas Pie recipe, I wanted to create a dish that was both a nod to my Californian upbringing surrounded by vibrant farmers markets and the rich culinary traditions of my Gujarati roots. This pie is more than dessert; it’s a culinary bridge between two parts of my life.
A Fusion of Freshness and Tradition
The plums in this recipe offer a beautiful balance of sweetness and tartness, giving this pie its distinct flavor profile. Growing up in California, fresh produce was a staple in our family kitchen. My mother would often come home with bags of the ripest, juiciest fruits which we would incorporate into every meal possible. The sarguelas remind me of those trips to the local markets, where I’d excitedly select the perfect fruits to take home.
On the other hand, the careful blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg hearkens back to the flavors that defined the kitchen aromas of my Gujarati heritage. Spices were never just for savory dishes; they found their way into sweets too, creating layers of complexity that excited our taste buds.
Health Benefits Galore
Besides its scrumptious taste, this Sarguelas Pie is packed with nutritional goodness. Plums are a great source of vitamins C and K, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to a healthy immune system, help maintain good digestion, and fight free radicals in the body. Incorporating fruits into your dessert isn’t just a tasty choice but a health-conscious one too!
The addition of lemon juice in this recipe not only enhances the flavors but also adds a boost of vitamin C, which is known for its immune-boosting properties. And let’s not forget that opting for a fruit-based dessert is a step towards a more balanced and healthful diet.
Perfect Pairings
The Sarguelas Pie fits beautifully into various settings. It’s a stellar choice for summer picnics, keeping the mood light and deliciously fruity. It can also stand proudly on a holiday dessert table, bringing a fresh twist on the classic fruit pie. This pie pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, enhancing its sweet-tart contrast with a creamy finish. For a more traditional Indian touch, consider serving it with a spoonful of cool kheer, a rice pudding flavored with cardamom.
If you enjoy fruit-filled desserts, you might also love dishes like Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp or Peach Cobbler. These recipes share the same spirit of celebrating the natural sweetness and tang of fruits, making them an excellent companion to our delectable Sarguelas Pie.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups fresh plums (sarguelas), pitted and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pitted and sliced plums, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir until the fruit is well-coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step Three
Roll out one of the refrigerated pie crusts and place it into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides of the dish.
Step Four
Pour the plum mixture into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of the unsalted butter.
Step Five
Roll out the second pie crust and carefully place it over the filling. Trim any overhang and crimp the edges to seal the top and bottom crusts together.
Step Six
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to enhance browning. If desired, sprinkle the coarse sugar over the top for a decorative finish.
Step Seven
Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step Eight
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any juices that may overflow. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Step Nine
Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to let the filling set. Enjoy your Sarguelas Pie!