Lime-Infused Blueberry Pie: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

The combination of tart blueberries and refreshing lime makes for a delightful and healthy dessert. This recipe yields a lime-infused blueberry pie that is not only tasty but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is perfect for adding a zest of flavor to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients and Preparation

To start, you'll need a high-quality pie crust that will serve as the foundation of your masterpiece. A well-made crust is key to achieving a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Pie Crust:

12 ounces of pastry flour (or all-purpose flour if preferred) 8 ounces of cold butter 4 ounces of ice-cold water 1 tablespoon of sugar A pinch of salt

The process of making the pie crust is straightforward and requires minimal equipment. Here’s how you can create your perfect pie crust:

Place the cold butter in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm it up. Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a food processor, add the flour, butter, sugar, and salt. Pulse until the butter is evenly mixed and the mixture resembles coarse meal. Gradually add 3 ounces of water and continue pulsing until the dough comes together and holds its shape. Adjust the water if necessary. Divide the dough into two flat rounds, wrap each one in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes or more.

Filling:

2 pints of fresh blueberries Sugar (3/4 to 1 cup, according to the sweetness of the berries) Lime zest and juice (from one lime) 4 tablespoons of tapioca starch, arrowroot, or cornstarch (tapioca is preferred for its translucent quality)

To prepare the filling, follow these steps:

Microwave the first pint of blueberries with a little bit of water for a few minutes to make them slightly soft. This will help them release their juices. In a bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar, lime zest, and lime juice. Mix well. Add 2 tablespoons of tapioca starch, arrowroot, or cornstarch to the mixture and stir until the blueberries are evenly coated. This will help thicken the filling and prevent it from becoming too runny when baked. Mash half of the blueberries with a fork and let them macerate for 30 minutes.

Assembly and Baking

For preparation, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Assembly:

Roll out one half of the dough and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Spread the blueberry filling inside the crust. Ensure it is evenly distributed, leaving a little space around the edges for the top crust. Cover the pie with the second crust. This can be done in two ways: either with a lattice design or with a full top crust. Crimp the edges to seal it and slit the top three or four times to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the top crust with an egg wash made of one egg and one tablespoon of cold water. Sprinkle with sugar or cinnamon sugar for added flavor.

Baking:

To bake the pie, follow these steps:

Bake the pie in the middle shelf of your oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The filling should be bubbling vigorously by the time the pie is done. Check the pie about ten minutes before the expected completion time to ensure the crust is not overbrowning. If needed, cover the edges with a pie shield or strips of foil.

Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. The cooling process allows the starch and pectin to set, ensuring a thick, delicious filling.

Topping Suggestions

Pie toppings can be customized to suit your preference. Here are a few topping ideas:

For a classic look, use a full top crust and crimp the edges. To add some decorative flair, consider a lattice crust. If you prefer a minimalistic approach, a single-layer crust can be used for a simple yet elegant presentation.

This lime-infused blueberry pie recipe is not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy the freshness of summer berries. Serve it as a sweet ending to a meal or share it with friends and family. Happy baking!