Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue

Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue Recipe - A Delicious Dessert from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

The Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue is a delightful twist on the classic key lime pie, incorporating the creamy texture and rich flavor of avocado. This dessert combines the tangy zest of lime with the smooth, buttery taste of avocado, topped with a light and airy meringue. It's a refreshing and unique treat that's perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to elegant dinner parties.

History

The concept of lime pie dates back to the late 19th century in the Florida Keys, where the abundant key lime was used in a simple pie recipe that became a regional specialty. The addition of avocado to the lime pie is a more modern innovation, reflecting contemporary culinary trends towards incorporating healthier fats into desserts. This recipe represents a fusion of traditional and modern, bringing a new level of sophistication and flavor to a classic dessert.

Ingredients

1 cup pureed california avocados (made with 5.5 cups fresh lime juice, approximately 5 limes)
1.5 cups sugar
0.33 cup cornstarch
0.25 tsp salt
1.5 cups water
4 lightly beaten egg yolks
1 tbsp Grated lime peel
9 inches baked pie shell
Meringue (see recipe below)
Meringue
3 egg whites
0.5 tsp vanilla
0.25 tsp cream of tartar
6 tbsp sugar

How to prepare

In a saucepan, blend together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in water.
Stir and boil over medium heat for 0.5 minutes.
Gradually beat half of the hot mixture into the egg yolks, then return to the saucepan.
Stir and boil for an additional 1 minute.
Remove from heat and stir in lime peel.
Blend in avocado puree and pour into a pie shell.
Top with meringue and bake in a 350°F (moderate) oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until browned. (9-inch pie)
Allow to mellow at room temperature for about 30 minutes before unmolding.
Meringue Preparation:
Beat egg whites, vanilla, and cream of tartar at medium speed for 1 minute, or until soft peaks form.
Gradually add sugar, about 1 tbsp at a time, beating at high speed for 4 minutes, or until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks and the sugar is dissolved.
Immediately spread the meringue over the pie, carefully sealing the edges to prevent shrinkage.

Variations

Consider adding a layer of sweetened cream cheese beneath the avocado lime filling for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Alternatively, for a nuttier crust, mix crushed almonds or pecans into the pie shell dough.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results for your Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue, consider the following tips:

- Use ripe avocados for the creamiest texture.

- Freshly squeezed lime juice offers the best flavor.

- When making the meringue, ensure that your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry to help the egg whites reach their full volume.

- Gradually adding sugar to the egg whites will help achieve a glossy and stable meringue.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Avocado Lime Pie chilled, garnished with thin slices of lime and avocado for an elegant presentation. A dollop of whipped cream on the side can add an extra touch of indulgence.

Cooking Techniques

Achieving the perfect meringue topping involves beating the egg whites until soft peaks form before gradually adding sugar. This process requires patience and precision to ensure the meringue is glossy and firm.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lower sugar option, substitute the sugar in the filling with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol. In the meringue, honey or maple syrup can be used for a natural sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

The pie filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake with the meringue topping on the day of serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Presentation Ideas

For a stunning presentation, use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the meringue peaks just before serving. Garnish with lime zest and avocado slices arranged in a decorative pattern.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dessert with a light, sparkling wine or a citrus-infused cocktail to complement the tangy lime flavor. A mint-infused iced tea would offer a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The meringue topping is best enjoyed fresh and does not reheat well, so enjoy the pie cold for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue contains approximately 300 calories. The calories are derived from a combination of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a relatively indulgent dessert option.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the sugar used in both the pie filling and the meringue topping, making it a high-energy dessert option.

Fats

Thanks to the inclusion of avocado, this pie offers healthier monounsaturated fats. A serving contains about 10 grams of fat, with 1.5 grams being saturated. The rest are primarily heart-healthy fats that can help to improve cholesterol levels.

Proteins

Each serving of Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue provides around 4 grams of protein, mainly from the egg yolks and whites used in the recipe. While not a high-protein food, it contributes to the overall nutritional balance of the dessert.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of Vitamin C from the lime juice and contains several B vitamins from the eggs. It also offers minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium, primarily from the avocado and eggs.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe include eggs and cornstarch. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution. The recipe is gluten-free, assuming a gluten-free pie shell is used.

Summary

Overall, the Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue is a dessert that offers a balance of sweet and tangy flavors, along with a mix of healthy fats and vitamins. While it is calorie-dense, it also provides nutritional benefits, making it a worthwhile treat in moderation.

Summary

The Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue is a delightful dessert that combines the tangy zest of lime with the creamy richness of avocado, all topped with a light and airy meringue. This recipe offers a modern twist on a classic dessert, providing a unique flavor experience along with nutritional benefits. Perfect for any occasion, this pie is sure to impress with its balance of flavors and elegant presentation.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue. It was a hot summer day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had found tucked away in the attic. As I flipped through the pages, I came across a worn and stained recipe card with faded handwriting that caught my eye. The title read "Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue" and I knew I had to try it.

Growing up, I had always been fascinated by the art of cooking. My mother and grandmother were both incredible cooks, and I spent countless hours watching them in the kitchen, absorbing their techniques and flavors. I learned how to make traditional dishes like pot roast and apple pie, but I was always eager to try new and exciting recipes.

The recipe card for Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue was unlike anything I had ever seen before. The combination of creamy avocado, zesty lime, and fluffy meringue seemed unusual but delicious. I immediately set out to gather the ingredients and begin my culinary adventure.

I followed the instructions on the recipe card carefully, mixing the avocado and lime juice together to create a smooth and tangy filling. The meringue was a bit tricky to make, but I whipped the egg whites into stiff peaks and carefully folded in the sugar to create a light and airy topping.

As the pie baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the fragrant aroma of citrus and sweetness. I couldn't wait to take my first bite and savor the unique flavors of this unconventional dessert.

When the pie was finally finished, I let it cool on the counter before slicing into it. The meringue was perfectly golden and lightly toasted, and the avocado lime filling was creamy and refreshing. I took a bite and was instantly transported to a tropical paradise, with the flavors of avocado and lime dancing on my taste buds.

I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe, one that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come. I shared the Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue with my family and friends, who were equally impressed by its unique and delicious taste.

Over the years, I have made this pie countless times, each time adding my own twist and variations to make it truly my own. I have passed down the recipe to my children and grandchildren, who have all fallen in love with its bold and refreshing flavors.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day when I discovered the recipe for Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue, I am filled with gratitude for the joy and memories that cooking has brought into my life. It is through recipes like these that I have been able to connect with my loved ones and share the gift of delicious food and cherished moments together. And for that, I am forever grateful.