| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 480 | 20g | 7g | 72g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 45g | 2g | 5g | 0.3g |
Nothing says comfort like a homemade dessert pie, and none so unique as the delightful Spiced Ximenia Pie. This America’s kitchen staple is given an exotic twist with ximenia, a fruit native to Africa and widely touted for its health benefits. It’s an ode to the natural beauty of the West Coast that I love, especially being from California where fresh, nutritious ingredients are the cornerstone of our culinary expression.
A Pie with a Healthful Secret
The Spiced Ximenia Pie is not just a treat to the palate, it’s a nod to healthfulness that Californians cherish. The starring ingredient, ximenia, is celebrated for its high vitamin C content and dietary fibers. The addition of heartwarming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg not only lend an aromatic depth to the pie, but also contribute anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. An indulgence you can feel good about, the Spiced Ximenia Pie aligns perfectly with a necessary balance of pleasurable and nourishing eating.
Versatile Pairings
This delicious pie pairs exceptionally well with various dishes. Serve it as a sweet companion to a classic roast chicken or with a light, leafy green salad for a perfect dinner-party menu. For a more leisurely, brunch affair, I find it to be an absolutely lip-smacking match with a poached egg avocado toast. You could even enjoy a slice with a glass of Californian Chardonnay as a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
All in all, the Spiced Ximenia Pie presents a harmonious blend of both sweet and nourishing, making it a dessert that my family and I return to time and time again.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups ximenia fruit, pitted
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 egg yolk, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 pre-made pie top or lattice crust
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Ready your pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan.
Step Two
Pit the ximenia fruit then chop into small pieces. In a large bowl, mix your ximenia fruit, white sugar, all-purpose flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the fruit is well coated with the dry ingredients.
Step Three
Pour your fruit mixture into the pie crust, making sure to spread it evenly. Dot the top of the fruit with small pieces of the unsalted butter.
Step Four
Cover the fruit and pie crust with your pre-made pie top or lattice crust. Trim and crimp the edges of the crust to seal the pie. Cut several slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step Five
Prepare an egg wash by combining the beaten egg yolk and milk. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the top of the crust with the egg wash. This will give your pie a golden, glossy finish once baked.
Step Six
Bake in your preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil.
Step Seven
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely before serving. This will allow the filling to set and make it easier to cut into slices. Enjoy your Spiced Ximenia Pie!
