Goumi berries, with their unique tart-sweet flavor, offer a delightful twist on classic berry pies. While they might not be as readily available as blueberries or strawberries, their intense flavor makes them worth seeking out. This guide explores simple goumi berry pie recipes, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
What are Goumi Berries?
Before diving into recipes, let's address a common question: What exactly are goumi berries? Goumi berries ( Elaeagnus multiflora) are small, oblong berries with a slightly tart flavor and a unique, slightly astringent finish. They’re rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy and delicious addition to any dessert. Their flavor profile lends itself well to pies, where the tartness can be balanced with sugar and other complementary ingredients.
Simple Goumi Berry Pie Recipe: A Classic Approach
This recipe focuses on showcasing the pure flavor of the goumi berry.
Ingredients:
- 1 (9-inch) pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 cups fresh goumi berries
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your preference based on berry tartness)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, gently combine goumi berries, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix until the berries are evenly coated.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the berry mixture into the pie crust. Dot the top with butter pieces.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and thickened. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Goumi Berry Pie with a Crumble Topping: Adding Texture
This variation adds a delightful crunchy element to the classic goumi berry pie.
Ingredients: (In addition to the classic recipe ingredients above)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-3 from the classic recipe.
- Prepare the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and nutmeg. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the crumble: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the berry filling.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the crumble is golden and crisp.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
How to Make Goumi Berry Pie Less Tart?
Many find goumi berries delightfully tart, but if you prefer a sweeter pie, you can easily adjust the recipe:
- Increase sugar: Add more granulated sugar to the filling, starting with an additional 1/4 cup and tasting as you go.
- Add sweetness: Incorporate a touch of honey or maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
- Use a sweeter fruit: Combine goumi berries with a sweeter berry like raspberries or strawberries to balance the tartness.
Can I Use Frozen Goumi Berries for Pie?
Yes, you can use frozen goumi berries for your pie. However, you may need to slightly reduce the amount of added liquid (such as lemon juice) in the recipe as frozen berries already contain some moisture. Thaw the berries completely before adding them to the filling to prevent a watery pie.
What's the Best Way to Store Goumi Berry Pie?
Store leftover goumi berry pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
These simple recipes provide a fantastic starting point for exploring the versatility of goumi berries in pie form. Remember to adjust sweetness levels to your personal preference and enjoy the unique tartness of this extraordinary berry!
