Autumn's arrival brings with it a bounty of delicious fruits, and none quite capture the season's essence like the quince. Unlike its more common cousin, the apple, quince boasts a unique, subtly tart and aromatic flavor that's absolutely enchanting in a pie. This recipe for quince pie delivers a taste of autumn perfection, a homemade treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for easy recipes, this recipe is perfect for you. Let's get started on this journey to create a truly memorable quince pie!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields one 9-inch quince pie.
For the Quince Filling:
- 2 lbs quinces, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 6 medium quinces)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
For the Crust: (You can use your favorite pie crust recipe or store-bought)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
Instructions:
Making the Quince Filling:
- Prepare the Quinces: Peel, core, and thinly slice the quinces. This is easiest with a sharp vegetable peeler and a small paring knife. Aim for consistent slices for even cooking.
- Cook the Quince: Combine the sliced quinces, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the quinces are tender.
- Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir this mixture into the simmering quinces and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the filling has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Making the Pie Crust (if making from scratch):
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Assembling and Baking the Quince Pie:
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Add the Filling: Pour the cooled quince filling into the pie crust.
- Top the Pie: Roll out the remaining dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar or a combination of both.
- Add a tablespoon of quince liqueur or brandy to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- A sprinkle of coarse sugar on the top crust before baking adds a lovely crunch.
- Serve your quince pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 15-20g Saturated Fat: 8-12g Carbohydrates: 50-60g Sugar: 30-40g Protein: 3-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Enjoy your delicious homemade quince pie! It’s the perfect addition to your fall baking repertoire – a truly delightful and healthy meal option perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy night in. This easy recipe makes for a quick dinner dessert, or a perfect addition to any special occasion. Happy baking!