Desserts > South African > Melktert

Strawberry Melktert Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Fresh strawberries for garnish

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Pie weights or dried beans

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until the mixture is crumbly.

3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix until the dough comes together.

4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.

5. Line the pie dish with the rolled-out dough and trim the edges.

6. Line the dough with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.

7. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

8. In a saucepan, heat the milk, heavy cream, and strawberry puree over medium heat.

9. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

10. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly.

11. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens.

12. Pour the mixture into the baked pie crust and smooth the top.

13. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

14. Garnish with fresh strawberries and serve.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of fruit puree instead of strawberry puree.
- You can use a pre-made pie crust instead of making your own.

Variations:
- You can add sliced strawberries to the top of the pie for extra flavor and texture.
- You can add a layer of whipped cream on top of the pie for extra creaminess.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to chill the pie for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to set properly.
- If the pie crust starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the pie for clean slices.

Storage Instructions:
Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
The pie can be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, you can heat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the pie on a decorative pie plate or cake stand.

Garnishes:
Fresh strawberries

Pairings:
Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or a green salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
If the pie filling is too runny, you can add more cornstarch to thicken it.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to properly store the pie in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

Food History:
Melktert is a traditional South African dessert that is similar to a custard pie. It is typically made with milk, sugar, flour, and eggs.

Flavor Profiles:
Creamy, sweet, and fruity.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the pie as a dessert after a meal or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea.

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Region: South African

Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Fruity, Tangy, Rich