Discover the Delight of Extremadura Almond Pie 🥧✨
Welcome to our culinary journey where we delve into the realms of taste and tradition. Today, we’re taking you on a flavorful excursion to the heart of Spain with a recipe that encapsulates the essence of Extremadura – the Extremadura Almond Pie. Brace yourself for an explosion of almond-infused goodness that will leave your taste buds tingling and your heart content.
As you embark on this gastronomic adventure, let’s first acquaint ourselves with the star players – the ingredients:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces
- 1 large egg yolk
For the Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup almond flour
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Now that we have our ingredients gathered, let’s embark on the culinary voyage by following these meticulous steps:
Directions:
Preparing the Crust:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and generously grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- In the chamber of a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Pulse them together until they meld into a cohesive mixture.
- Introduce the chilled, cubed unsalted butter into the processor and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Add the large egg yolk to the mixture and pulse again until the dough forms clumps.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared pie dish and evenly press it onto the bottom and up the sides. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set.
- Once chilled, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the parchment paper and weights, and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the crust adopts a glorious golden-brown hue. Let it cool completely.
Crafting the Filling:
- In a spacious bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, almond extract, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until the mixture attains a smooth consistency.
- Gradually incorporate the almond flour into the mixture, ensuring it’s thoroughly combined.
- Pour this delectable filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with finesse.
- Bake the pie for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the filling sets and acquires a luscious golden-brown hue.
Finishing Touches:
- Once baked to perfection, allow the pie to cool entirely on a wire rack.
- Just before serving, sprinkle a generous dusting of powdered sugar atop the pie for an irresistible finishing touch.
Time to Indulge:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Nutritional Tidbit:
- Kcal: 330 kcal per serving
- Servings: 8 servings
As you savor each forkful of this Extremadura Almond Pie, let the flavors transport you to the sun-kissed landscapes and vibrant culture of Spain’s Extremadura region. Whether shared with loved ones or savored in solitary bliss, this pie is more than a mere dessert; it’s a celebration of culinary craftsmanship and the joy of indulgence. So, embrace the spirit of adventure, and allow your palate to revel in the splendor of this exquisite creation. Bon appétit! 🥧✨