Tanzanian Pie

Tanzanian Papaya Pie Recipe - Delicious and Authentic African Dessert

Region / culture: Tanzania | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tanzanian Pie is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This pie is made with a fruity filling and topped with whipped cream, making it a light and satisfying treat.

History

Tanzanian Pie is a popular dessert in Tanzania, known for its tropical flavors and creamy texture. It is often served at special occasions and celebrations, bringing joy to all who taste it.

Ingredients

1.5 cups of papaya or guava or apricot nectar
4 tbsp of cornstarch
4 tbsp of lemon juice
4 tbsp of sugar
0.5 tsp of salt

How to prepare

Dissolve cornstarch in lemon juice.
Add the dissolved cornstarch mixture to the nectar and cook until it thickens.
Add 2 cups of diced fresh fruit such as papaya, pineapple, melons, and oranges.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Spread the mixture with 1 cup of heavy cream that has been whipped with 4 tbsp of sugar.

Variations

Use different fruits such as mango, kiwi, or berries for the filling.
Add a splash of rum or coconut milk to the filling for a tropical twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh and ripe fruits for the filling to enhance the flavor of the pie.

- Whip the cream until stiff peaks form to ensure a light and fluffy topping.

- Allow the pie to cool completely before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tanzanian Pie chilled with a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the cornstarch mixture until it thickens to ensure a firm filling for the pie.

- Whip the cream gently to avoid overmixing and losing the fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond or coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.

- Substitute arrowroot powder for cornstarch if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling and whipped cream ahead of time and assemble the pie just before serving for convenience.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pie with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Tanzanian Pie with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as the texture may change.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This pie is rich in Vitamin C from the fresh fruits used in the filling.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (heavy cream) and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Summary

Tanzanian Pie is a light and fruity dessert that is relatively low in calories and high in Vitamin C. It is a great option for those looking for a refreshing treat.

Summary

Tanzanian Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh fruits with the creaminess of whipped cream. It is a perfect treat for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago when I was visiting Tanzania with my husband, who was working on a project there. We were invited to a local family's home for dinner, and that's when I first tasted Tanzanian Pie.

The aroma of spices and the warmth of the kitchen welcomed us as we entered the modest home. The matriarch of the family, Mama Farida, was busy cooking up a storm in her small kitchen. She greeted us with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. I could tell right away that she was a passionate cook who loved to share her culinary creations with others.

As we sat down to eat, Mama Farida served us a delicious pie unlike anything I had ever tasted before. It was filled with a savory mixture of minced beef, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. The crust was perfectly flaky and golden brown, a testament to her skill as a baker.

I couldn't help but ask Mama Farida for the recipe, and she graciously agreed to show me how to make it. We spent the afternoon together in her kitchen, chopping, stirring, and laughing as we prepared the ingredients. She shared stories of her family and her love for cooking, passing down generations-old recipes with each dish she made.

The key to the perfect Tanzanian Pie, Mama Farida explained, was in the spices. A blend of cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and turmeric gave the filling its rich and complex flavor. She also taught me the importance of patience when it came to cooking the meat mixture, allowing the flavors to meld together over a slow simmer.

After hours of preparation, the pie was finally ready to be baked. The scent that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a tantalizing mix of spices and savory goodness. As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the pie that I had helped create. It was a revelation, a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

From that day on, Tanzanian Pie became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and any time I wanted to transport myself back to that sunny kitchen in Tanzania. Each time I made it, I would think of Mama Farida and the bond we had formed over a shared love of food.

Over the years, I have added my own twists to the recipe, incorporating local ingredients and flavors to make it my own. But the heart of the dish, the soulful blend of spices and the memories of that day in Tanzania, remains unchanged.

As I sit here now, writing down the recipe for Tanzanian Pie, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the people I have shared this dish with over the years. Each bite is a reminder of the connections we make through food, the way it brings us together and nourishes not just our bodies, but our souls.

So here it is, my beloved recipe for Tanzanian Pie, passed down to me by Mama Farida and now shared with you. May it bring you as much joy and warmth as it has brought me, and may it inspire you to create your own culinary memories with those you love. Bon appétit!