Savor the Flavor: Delicious Pilgrim’s Pie Recipe
Are you looking for the perfect comfort food for your family dinner? Look no further than Pilgrim’s Pie! This savory pie is filled with ground beef, corn, and creamy mashed potatoes, all nestled inside a flaky, golden crust. The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your taste preferences.
But why is it called Pilgrim’s Pie? Legend has it that the original recipe was created by the pilgrims who settled in America centuries ago. They used ingredients readily available to them at the time, including pumpkin and corn. Over time, the recipe evolved into the savory dish we know and love today.
Not only is Pilgrim’s Pie a delicious and satisfying meal, but it also has a rich history ingrained in American culture. So why not try your hand at this iconic dish? Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: it’s chilly outside and you’re craving something comforting, something that will wrap you in a warm hug with every bite. That’s where Pilgrim’s Pie comes in. This dish, which draws inspiration from classic Thanksgiving flavors, is the ultimate comfort food.
But what makes this particular Pilgrim’s Pie recipe so special? Well, for starters, it combines two beloved classics: mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. That might sound like an odd combo, but trust me when I say that it works. The fluffy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the creamy pumpkin custard filling, creating a marriage of sorts between two textures and flavors.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can play with the ingredients to make it your own, adding in things like ground beef or turkey for a heartier dish or mixing up the type of pie crust you use (oatmeal crust, anyone?). You can also adjust the sweetness level to your liking- whether you prefer your desserts on the sweeter side or more restrained.
Another reason to love this recipe? It’s easy to make. All you need to do is make some mashed potatoes (you can use leftover if you have them), prepare the pumpkin custard filling (which is pretty much just mixing a bunch of ingredients together) and bake everything until it’s golden brown and bubbly.
In short: if you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that hits all the right notes- savory, sweet, creamy, crunchy- then look no further than this Pilgrim’s Pie recipe. It’s got it all!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make your very own Pilgrim’s Pie:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp chopped chives (optional)
For the Pie Filling:
- 3 cups frozen corn
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup light brown sugar️
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Pumpkin Custard:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
Other Ingredients:
- 1 single pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
These ingredients are key in creating a delicious Pilgrim’s Pie that everyone will enjoy. So, let’s get started!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the delicious Pilgrim’s Pie! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create this savory and sweet masterpiece.
Ingredients
Before we begin, gather your ingredients:
– 2 cups of mashed potatoes
– 1 tsp of dried thyme leaves
– 2 tbsp of finely chopped fresh chives
– 1 cup of frozen corn
– 2 large eggs
– 3 cups of canned pumpkin
– 1/2 cup of brown sugar
– 1/4 cup of sugar
– 1 tsp of vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp of ground ginger
– A pinch of salt
For the crust:
– 1 pie crust
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes and Add Spices
Put your mashed potatoes in a medium, heavy bottomed pot. Add in the dried thyme and chives. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Pumpkin Filling
Mix together the pumpkin, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla extract, spices, salt, frozen corn and eggs until everything is combined together.
Step 4: Prepare Crust
Line up your pie crust neatly in the pie dish. Trim off any excess dough so it fits perfectly. You can use the excess dough to make a little decoration on top of your pie.
Step 5: Pour Mixture into Crust
Pour your pumpkin mixture directly into your crust.
Step 6: Bake Your Pie
Bake your pie for an hour in the preheated oven or until done. The filling should not jiggle when gently shaken.
That’s all there is to it! You now have a delicious Pilgrim’s Pie ready for eating.
Serving Size and Calories:
This recipe makes one (1) pie that serves six (6) people with each serving size approximately at three-hundred (300) calories per slice. It is perfect for dinner parties or just enjoying a cozy night with family or friends.
Substitutions and Variations
“If you’re feeling adventurous, or if you simply want to add a twist to your recipe, try these substitutions and variations that are sure to make your Pilgrim’s Pie stand out from the rest.”
Firstly, you can swap the mashed potatoes in the recipe for sweet potatoes. This will add a subtle sweetness to your pie and provide a beautiful orange hue.
Secondly, instead of using frozen corn, try using canned corn or green beans for a different spin on this classic recipe.
If you prefer a more savory option, substitute ground beef or turkey for the pumpkin in the recipe. This variation creates a hearty and delicious meat-based Pilgrim’s Pie.
For those who love cranberry apple sauces, you can include diced apples and cranberries in your filling. This way, you can create an apple pilgrim pie with the flavor of the traditional Thanksgiving cranberry sauce.
As for the crust, if you don’t have one prepared, you can use oatmeal cookies or crumbles for added texture and crunch. Additionally, if you’re not a fan of pies or pie crusts in general, why not try making pilgrim pumpkin whoopie pies?
Lastly, if you are feeling particularly experimental and have time on your hands, try topping your Pilgrim’s Pie with cream cheese frosting. The results may surprise you!
Remember that these variations are merely suggestions and that taste preferences differ from person to person. Don’t be afraid to utilize different ingredients that appeal to your taste buds. With these tips for substitutions and variations to the recipe, you’ll definitely have an exciting Thanksgiving feast ahead of you.
Serving and Pairing
Are you looking for the perfect combination to enjoy with your homemade Pilgrim’s Pie? There are many options to choose from that will bring out the best flavors in this classic dish.
One great idea is to serve a side of cranberry sauce. The tartness of the cranberry perfectly complements the savory flavors of the pie, while also adding a nice bit of color to the plate. Another option is to whip up some fluffy mashed potatoes and serve them alongside the pie. The creamy texture and buttery taste of the potatoes create a comforting contrast to the hearty pie filling.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider pairing your Pilgrim’s Pie with a bold red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine’s full-bodied flavor will stand up well to the rich flavors of the dish. For non-alcoholic pairings, try serving tea or hot apple cider with a sprinkling of cinnamon on top – this perfectly complements the warm spices in the pie.
However, if you’re in search of something sweet after enjoying this savory dish, consider dessert options like pumpkin whoopie pies or pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting. These desserts contain similar ingredients as those found in Pilgrim’s Pie, making them an ideal finish to your meal.
No matter which pairing you choose, be sure to enjoy your Pilgrim’s Pie alongside good company and conversation. This heartwarming dish is both delicious and comforting, and its versatile flavors promise to leave everyone satisfied.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a fan of meal prepping, I can confidently say that the Pilgrim’s Pie Recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. Once the pie has been baked and cooled, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you find yourself with leftover pie but don’t want to eat it right away, fear not! The Pilgrim’s Pie also freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven.
But let’s say you’re feeling fancy and want to serve your leftover Pilgrim’s Pie with a twist. Cut a slice and pan-fry it in butter until crispy on both sides. The mashed potato crust will become golden brown and deliciously crispy while the filling remains warm and gooey.
Overall, the Pilgrim’s Pie Recipe proves to be an easy heat-and-eat meal option for busy weeknights or a festive holiday dinner. Trust me, your future self will thank you for taking the time to make this delicious dish ahead of time!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a baker, I’ve learned through trial and error that sometimes small tweaks can make the difference between a good dish and a great one. Here are some tips to ensure that your Pilgrim’s Pie turns out perfectly every time.
First, make sure to use freshly mashed potatoes instead of instant ones. Instant mashed potatoes often contain additives that can affect the texture and flavor of the dish. Stick with real mashed potatoes for the best results.
When making the pumpkin custard, be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly. This ensures that all flavors are evenly distributed throughout the pie. Use a whisk to mix the eggs, brown sugar, white sugar, and pumpkin puree until smooth before adding other ingredients.
Additionally, don’t overcrowd the pie filling with extra ingredients. While it may be tempting to add in extra vegetables or other fillers, doing so risks throwing off the balance of flavors in the dish.
When putting together your crust, it’s important to use a cold butter for making crust dough. Cold butter helps achieve that perfect flaky crust everyone loves. Also, be sure not to overwork your dough when rolling it out. This can cause it to become tough and chewy rather than light and flaky.
For best results when serving Pilgrim’s Pie, let it rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows for the filling to set up slightly, so pieces won’t fall apart as easily when sliced.
Finally, experiment with different toppings for your Pilgrim’s Pie. While traditional cranberry sauce is always a great choice, try topping your pie with apple compote or using it as a base for a pizza topped with ground beef or turkey.
By following these tips and experimenting with new variations on this classic dish, you’ll soon find yourself with an impressive repertoire of Pilgrim’s Pie recipes that friends and family will crave year-round.
FAQ
Before we get to the end of this article, let me address some of the frequently asked questions about this Pilgrim’s Pie Recipe. I understand that some of you may have concerns or doubts and that’s perfectly normal. That’s why I’m here to provide you with accurate and comprehensive answers, so you can have peace of mind and create the best version of this dish that suits your taste preferences. So let’s dive in and see what questions you have about this recipe.
What dessert did the Pilgrims eat?
In this recipe article, we will be making a flavorful prune tart that is seasoned with rosemary, rosewater, and cinnamon while also being sweetened with sugar. Additionally, we will explore the history of pumpkin pie and how it was traditionally prepared without a pastry shell. Instead, diced pumpkins were stewed and seasoned with spices and vinegar to create a tart and delicious dessert.
What was the original Thanksgiving pie?
Pumpkin pies have a rich history that dates back centuries. Traditional recipes from the 1670s involved layering apples, pumpkin, and various herbs into a pie. Over time, the recipe evolved into the pumpkin custard-filled pie we all know and love today.
Why do we eat pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving?
Squash and pumpkins were cultivated by Native American tribes residing in the Northeastern region. When the first settlers arrived, the Native Americans gifted them with pumpkins and imparted knowledge on their diverse uses. As a result, pumpkin pie was eventually served at the initial Thanksgiving gathering in America almost half a century later.
What was the first pumpkin pie?
Pumpkin pie has been a beloved dessert in America for centuries. The first documented sweet pumpkin pie recipe was published in 1796 in the cookbook American Cookery. The recipe is quite similar to the pumpkin pie recipe enjoyed today, consisting of stewed and strained pumpkin, cream, beaten eggs, and a variety of spices and sugar. The mixture is then placed in a pastry crust, ready to be baked to perfection.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Pilgrim’s Pie recipe is a perfect dish to celebrate the season of thanksgiving. With its decadent combination of pumpkin custard, mashed potatoes, and frozen corn, it is sure to please your family and guests alike. This delightful and savory pie will surely impress even the pickiest eaters at your table.
This recipe article has provided easy-to-follow instructions, tips, and recommendations for perfect results every time. So why not give it a try? Whether you are looking for something to add to your holiday table or simply a savory recipe to enjoy on a cozy evening at home, this Pilgrim’s Pie recipe will not disappoint.
So go ahead and experiment with different variations and substitutions as per your taste. Whether it’s beef or turkey in place of the corn or cranberry apple pie in place of pumpkin, don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe.
So this holiday season, impress your guests with a scrumptious Pilgrim Pie that your whole family will love. Don’t forget to pair it with some delicious oatmeal or whoopie pies for a complete meal experience. Happy cooking!
Pilgrim’s Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked turkey
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans turkey gravy (or your leftover homemade)
- 1/4 cup snipped chives
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
- 4 cups leftover mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Mix turkey, peas, corn, gravy, 2 Tbsp chives, and thyme.
- Place in shallow 2 1/2 to 3 qt casserole.
- In microwave, warm potatoes to smooth consistency and mix in remaining chives.
- Cover turkey mixture with potatoes.
- Bake at 400 degrees about 25 minutes til center is bubbly and potatoes begin to brown.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.