Citrusy Pumpkin Delight

This delightful dessert brings together the tangy taste of citrus with the rich and comforting essence of pumpkin. The combination of a crunchy nut-infused crust and creamy filling makes it perfect for any festive occasion or a cozy family dinner. This dessert is not overly sweet, allowing the natural flavors of the pumpkin and lemon to shine through. The aromatic spices add warmth and depth, providing a delightful sensory experience. It's versatile, allowing you to make adjustments based on personal preferences or dietary needs. The recipe can be easily split into two pies, making it a great make-ahead option. Both the dough and filling are simple to prepare, with the most time-consuming part being the chilling and baking. The result is a beautifully flavored pie that's sure to impress your guests. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 small lemons
• 3 large eggs
• 50-100ml heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust based on desired sweetness)
• 300ml pumpkin puree

Spices

• 1 teaspoon gingerbread spices or 1 teaspoon combination of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger

Filling Ingredients

• 30g butter
• For the crust:
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup nuts (ground)
  • 125g butter or margarine
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Preparation Time

Total Time: 60 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the crust: Start by combining the butter or margarine with flour, then add ground nuts finely and mix thoroughly.
2. Egg separation: Separate the egg white from the yolk. Beat the egg white with sugar until stiff peaks form, then gently fold in the yolk and a pinch of salt.
3. Crust assembly: Add this egg mixture to the flour mixture, combining until achieving a smooth dough. Add more flour by the tablespoon if necessary; the dough should be soft but not sticky. Wrap in plastic and chill for 3 hours.
4. Pumpkin preparation: Peel and remove seeds from the pumpkin, chop it into small pieces. Cook with a little water and butter until soft, then blend into a smooth puree.
5. Spice the puree: Stir in freshly grated ginger and spice mix and let it simmer for 5 minutes then pass through a sieve for a silky texture.
6. Lemon preparation: Juice the lemons and set aside.
7. Filling completion: Lightly beat eggs with sugar, then blend in lemon juice, pumpkin puree, and cream. Avoid overmixing to prevent foam.
8. Form the crust: Retrieve the dough from the fridge, divide into two, and press one half into the bottom of a lined 24cm round baking dish.
9. Prepare to bake: Pour the filling over the crust, cover with aluminum foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (about 400°F) for 50-60 minutes.
10. Cooling: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing.
11. Double up: If making two pies, the second will require a shorter baking time of about 30 minutes.

Tips

• Alternative Crust: Feel free to use any shortbread dough you enjoy.
• Crust Storage: The dough keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days if you decide to make cookies instead.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the sugar to taste, especially if your pumpkin is particularly sweet.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approx. 350 per serving
• Protein: 6g
• Fats: 20g
• Carbs: 40g

Variations

• Nut-Free: Skip nuts and add an extra 1/4 cup of flour.
• Non-Dairy: Use a non-dairy alternative for butter and cream.

Serving Suggestions

• With Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the flavors wonderfully.
• Refreshment: Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Best Places

• The Sweet Tooth Cakery - Known for their creative and flavorful pies.
  Location: 123 Baker Street, London, United Kingdom.

• Café Gourmand - Offers a delightful variety of desserts.
  Location: 45 Rue de St Germain, Paris, France.

• Pumpkin Paradise - Famous for their innovative pumpkin desserts.
  Location: 678 Pumpkin Lane, Salem, USA.

• Citrus & Spice - Offers a fusion of citrus and spice flavored dishes.
  Location: 10 Tangy Avenue, Sydney, Australia.

• Pie Heaven - A cozy place known for a wide range of delectable pies.
  Location: 22 Baker Road, Wellington, New Zealand.

• Ginger & Lemon Treats - Specializes in desserts with a unique flavor pairing.
  Location: 89 Sweet Street, Toronto, Canada.

• Rustic Pie House - Offers comforting and hearty pies.
  Location: 32 Harvest Street, Dublin, Ireland.

• Sweet Sensations - Known for their artistic and delicious pastries.
  Location: 55 Flavor Avenue, Cape Town, South Africa.

• Nature's Bounty - Celebrated for their wholesome and earthy treats.
  Location: 101 Organic Road, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

• Café Cultura - Blends traditional flavors with modern twists.
  Location: 16 Fiesta Street, Barcelona, Spain.