Gooseberry Pie, a cherished Pennsylvania Dutch recipe, offers a delightful blend of tart gooseberries, sweetened just right with sugar and thickened with tapioca for a perfect pie filling. Originating from a time when fresh gooseberries were plentiful, this recipe holds a nostalgic appeal, even if you’re making it in a place like Texas, where gooseberries may be harder to find.
Recipe Details
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 1 Gooseberry Pie
Calories per serving: 3512.3
Nutritional Information per serving:
- Fat: 145.6g
- Saturated Fat: 44.6g
- Cholesterol: 61.1mg
- Sodium: 2743.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 542.3g
- Fiber: 36g
- Sugar: 317.1g
- Protein: 27g
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups gooseberries
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minute tapioca
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 pie crusts (for top and bottom)
Instructions
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Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the gooseberries, salt, sugar, minute tapioca, and butter. Mix gently to coat the gooseberries evenly. Let the mixture stand for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tapioca to begin absorbing the juices.
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Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Line a pie dish with one pie crust. Pour the gooseberry filling into the crust.
- Cover the filling with the remaining pie crust. Pinch and seal the edges of the pie crusts together.
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Bake:
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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Serve:
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Tips and Variations
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Gooseberry Substitutions: If fresh gooseberries are not available, you can use frozen gooseberries (thawed and drained) or canned gooseberries (drained).
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Tapioca Substitute: If you prefer not to use tapioca, you can substitute it with cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent for the filling. Use about 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot.
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Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar based on the tartness of your gooseberries and personal preference. Taste the filling mixture before adding it to the pie crust to ensure it’s sweetened to your liking.
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Pie Crust Options: You can use store-bought pie crusts for convenience, or if you enjoy making your own pie crust, feel free to use your favorite homemade recipe.
About Gooseberries and Pennsylvania Dutch Cuisine
Gooseberries, with their unique tart flavor, are a favorite in traditional Pennsylvania Dutch desserts. They add a refreshing tanginess to pies and preserves, often paired with sweeteners to balance their acidity. While not as common in every region, their distinct taste and versatility make them a cherished ingredient where they are available.
This Gooseberry Pie recipe not only preserves the essence of Pennsylvania Dutch culinary heritage but also offers a delightful dessert option for any occasion. Whether you’re reminiscing about old family recipes or exploring new flavors, this pie promises to be a comforting and delicious addition to your baking repertoire.
