Pawpaw Pie Recipe from Democratic Republic of Congo

Pawpaw Pie

Pawpaw Pie Recipe from Democratic Republic of Congo
Region / culture: Democratic Republic of Congo | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Pawpaw Pie
Pawpaw Pie

Pawpaw pie is a delicious and unique dessert that combines the tropical flavors of pawpaw (also known as papaya) with a flaky pie crust. This recipe is perfect for those looking to try something new and exciting in the world of desserts.

History

The exact origins of pawpaw pie are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in tropical regions where pawpaw is a common fruit. The combination of sweet pawpaw with a buttery pie crust has become a popular dessert in many cultures.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Slice the pawpaw (papaya) and marinate it in lemon juice for at least 1 hour.
  2. Drain it well and place the slices onto the pie shell.
  3. Beat the egg with milk and sugar.
  4. Add grated lemon peel.
  5. Pour the mixture over the fruit and bake it in a hot oven for about 35 minutes.
  6. Alternatively, mash the pawpaw, mix it with other ingredients, including 1 tsp cornflour.
  7. Bake it as mentioned above, and serve it with whipped cream.

Variations

  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pie filling for a warm and spicy flavor.
  • Substitute the pie crust with a graham cracker crust for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the pawpaw in lemon juice to enhance its flavor and prevent it from browning.

- Be sure to drain the pawpaw well before placing it onto the pie shell to prevent a soggy crust.

- Adjust the amount of sugar to taste, depending on the sweetness of the pawpaw.

- Serve the pie with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve pawpaw pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the pie in a hot oven ensures that the crust is flaky and golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

If pawpaw is not available, you can substitute it with mango or pineapple for a similar tropical flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pie filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pie with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve pawpaw pie with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover pawpaw pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

35g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Pawpaw is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate, making this pie a nutritious dessert option.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and milk.

Summary

Pawpaw pie is a delicious dessert option that is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthier alternative to traditional pies.

Summary

Pawpaw pie is a delicious and unique dessert that combines the tropical flavors of pawpaw with a flaky pie crust. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for those looking to try something new and exciting in the world of desserts. Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful pie with friends and family for a delightful treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Pawpaw Pie. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town surrounded by lush green forests. Pawpaw trees were abundant in the area, their sweet, creamy fruits a delicacy that only appeared for a short time each year.

One day, as I was wandering through the woods near my home, I stumbled upon a patch of pawpaw trees heavy with ripe fruit. The vibrant yellow-green orbs hung from the branches, beckoning me to pluck them and taste their unique flavor. I had heard of pawpaws before, but I had never tried them myself. Intrigued, I gathered a few of the fruits and brought them back to my grandmother's kitchen.

My grandmother was a master in the kitchen, her culinary skills honed over decades of cooking for her large family. She had a knack for taking simple ingredients and turning them into delicious meals that brought everyone together around the table. As I showed her the pawpaws I had found, her eyes lit up with excitement.

"Oh, pawpaws!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with nostalgia. "I haven't had pawpaw pie in years. Let me show you how to make it."

And so, my grandmother set to work, peeling and mashing the pawpaws until they formed a smooth, creamy pulp. She added sugar, spices, and a touch of lemon juice, creating a filling that smelled heavenly as it bubbled on the stove. The scent of warm pawpaws mixed with cinnamon and nutmeg filled the kitchen, wrapping us in a cozy blanket of nostalgia and comfort.

As the pie baked in the oven, my grandmother regaled me with stories of her own childhood, when she would help her own grandmother make pawpaw pie from the fruits they gathered in the woods. She spoke of the simple joy of foraging for wild ingredients and turning them into a delicious treat to share with loved ones. I listened intently, hanging on her every word as the scent of baking pie filled the air.

When the pie emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling, my grandmother cut us each a slice and we sat down at the kitchen table to savor our creation. The first bite was pure magic - the creamy pawpaw filling was sweet and tangy, with a hint of spice that danced on my tongue. The buttery crust crumbled delicately, a perfect complement to the rich filling within.

As we ate, my grandmother and I talked and laughed, enjoying each other's company and the simple pleasure of good food. The memory of that first taste of pawpaw pie has stayed with me ever since, a cherished reminder of the bond between generations and the joy that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones.

Since that day, I have made pawpaw pie many times, using my grandmother's recipe as a guide. Each time I gather the fruits from the trees in the woods near my home, I am transported back to that moment in my grandmother's kitchen, the scent of baking pie filling the air and the warmth of her love enveloping me like a hug.

The recipe for pawpaw pie is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - it is a connection to the past, a link to the generations of women who have come before me and passed down their culinary wisdom. And as I continue to make this pie for my own family and friends, I am filled with gratitude for the traditions that have shaped me and the memories that sustain me.

Categories

| Congolese Desserts | Congolese Recipes | Egg Recipes | Lemon Juice Recipes | Lemon Peel Recipes | Milk And Cream Recipes | Papaya Recipes | Pie Recipes |

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