Sela’s Pineapple Pie hails as a cherished classic from the Friendly Islands, showcasing the culinary heritage of Tonga with its delightful blend of flavors and comforting, homely appeal. Perfect for gatherings of all sizes, this recipe yields a substantial amount of pie, making it ideal for feeding large families or contributing to potluck dinners where it’s sure to be devoured eagerly. Infused with the tropical essence of fresh pineapple, this pie embodies the essence of Polynesian cuisine, offering a taste of sunshine and island life in every bite.
Crafting this culinary masterpiece requires a total preparation and cooking time of approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, ensuring that the end result is worth every moment of effort invested. With just 45 minutes of cooking time and 40 minutes of preparation, you’ll soon be indulging in the sweet rewards of your labor.
Let’s delve into the sumptuous details of this delectable recipe:
Ingredients:
- Fresh Pineapple (3)
- Sugar (3 cups)
- Salt (1 tsp)
- Butter (1 cup)
- Flour (2 cups)
- Baking Powder (1/2 tsp)
- Cream of Tartar (1 tsp)
- Eggs (4-5)
- Custard (1 cup)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Pineapple Filling:
- Begin by heating the fresh pineapple in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Mix in the custard, 1 cup of sugar, and the salt, ensuring that the ingredients are well combined.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens, stirring constantly to prevent sticking or burning.
- Once the desired consistency is achieved, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Add the butter to the pineapple mixture, stirring until it is fully incorporated.
- Allow the filling to cool while you prepare the base.
-
Prepare the Base:
- Cream together the butter and remaining sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the egg yolks, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift together the flour and baking powder, then add them to the butter mixture.
- Stir the ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
-
Assemble the Pie:
- Roll out the pastry dough and carefully place it into a large 13″x9″ baking pan, ensuring that it covers the bottom evenly.
- Bake the pastry in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
-
Layer the Pineapple Filling:
- Once the pastry base is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven.
- Pour the prepared pineapple mixture over the baked pastry, spreading it out evenly.
-
Prepare the Meringue Topping:
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they become frothy.
- Gradually add the cream of tartar and the remaining sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
-
Finish and Bake:
- Carefully spread the meringue topping over the pineapple filling, covering it completely.
- Return the assembled pie to the oven and bake it at 375°F (190°C) until the meringue topping is lightly browned, creating a beautiful contrast of colors and flavors.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the pineapple pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Slice into generous portions and savor the harmonious blend of sweet pineapple, creamy custard, and airy meringue.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 424.1 per serving
- Fat Content: 13.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 7.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 96.9mg
- Sodium Content: 215.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 72.5g
- Fiber Content: 1.4g
- Sugar Content: 51.3g
- Protein Content: 5.4g
Recipe Tips:
- To streamline preparation, consider doubling the recipe and using a roasting dish as the baking pan.
- For added convenience, prepare the pineapple filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the pie.
- Customize the sweetness of the pie by adjusting the amount of sugar in the pineapple filling and meringue topping to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve this Pineapple Pie warm or chilled, accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Conclusion:
Sela’s Pineapple Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of Polynesian flavors and traditions, inviting you to embark on a culinary journey to the Friendly Islands with every mouthful. Whether enjoyed at a family gathering, potluck dinner, or as a sweet indulgence on a weeknight, this pie is sure to leave a lasting impression and have everyone coming back for seconds. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the warmth and hospitality of Tonga with this delightful recipe.
