Rhubarb Pie with a Meringue Topping
Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of rhubarb pie adorned with a delicate meringue topping—a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. This delicious pie combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of meringue, resulting in a perfectly balanced bite. Preparing this dish requires a combination of baking skills, but the end result is certainly worth the effort. The flaky crust and the creamy meringue add contrasting textures that make this dessert extraordinary. Rhubarb is a springtime favorite and using it in this pie brings out its natural tartness. The addition of lemon zest enhances the freshness, making it a refreshing treat. Serve it warm or chilled, both ways it tastes divine. This pie pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this rhubarb pie is sure to impress. Gather your ingredients and let's get started on this culinary adventure!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 300 g flour
- 300 g rhubarb
- 4 eggs
- 200 g margarine or butter
- 150 g sugar
- A pinch of baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of 1/2 a lemon
Preparation Time
Total Time: 55 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Separate the Eggs: Begin by separating the egg yolks from the whites into two bowls.
- Create the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, flour, salt, baking soda, margarine (or butter), and 100 g of sugar. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Roll out the dough to 1/2 cm thickness and place it on a baking sheet, forming a slight edge around the sides.
- Partially Bake the Crust: Preheat the oven and bake the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it is partially cooked.
- Prepare the Rhubarb: Chop the rhubarb into small slices. Mix with 50 g of sugar and the grated lemon zest.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread the rhubarb mixture over the partially baked crust.
- Bake Again: Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the rhubarb is tender.
- Beat the Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites with a little powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Add the Meringue: Spoon the meringue over the baked pie, spreading it evenly.
- Dry the Meringue: Lower the oven temperature and bake the pie again until the meringue is dry and slightly brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for added sweetness.
Tips
- For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- To ensure a perfectly baked crust, keep an eye on it while baking as oven temperatures may vary.
- For added flavor, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract to the meringue.
Nutritions
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
Variations
- Substitute rhubarb with apples or mixed berries for different flavor profiles.
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spicy aroma.
- Try using a sugar substitute to make it more diabetic-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with freshly brewed coffee or a sweet dessert wine.
- Garnish with mint leaves or a slice of fresh lemon for a pop of color.
- Serve with a side of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
Best Places
- Sweet Pie Place - A cozy café known for its eclectic variety of delicious pies. Location: 123 Pie Lane, New York, USA.
- Rhubarb Delight Bakery - Specialty bakery focusing on rhubarb desserts. Location: 456 Bakery Ave, London, UK.
- The Meringue Bistro - Famous for its meringue-topped treats. Location: 789 Dessert Rd, Paris, France.
- Pâtisserie Gourmandise - Offers elegant pastries and a welcoming atmosphere. Location: 101 Pâtisserie St, Toronto, Canada.
- Tart & Pie - Perfect for enjoying a slice of pie with a modern twist. Location: 234 Tart Blvd, Sydney, Australia.
- Ruta's Pies - Celebrated for traditional rhubarb pies served with a twist. Location: 567 Dessert St, Wellington, New Zealand.
- Crusty Delight - Offers a wide array of pies with classic and innovative flavors. Location: 890 Crust Ave, Dublin, Ireland.
- The Rhubarb Cafe - A must-visit for rhubarb enthusiasts. Location: 321 Cafe Ln, Berlin, Germany.
- Rustic Charms Bakery - Combines rustic charm with delicious baked goods. Location: 654 Bakery Rd, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Heavenly Meringues & Pies - Known for heavenly baked goods. Location: 987 Heavenly St, Rome, Italy.