Recipe: Shortcrust Pie with Strawberries and Thyme

Recipe: Shortcrust Pie with Strawberries and Thyme

A shortcrust pie with strawberries and thyme is a delightful and unique dessert that brings together the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the savory, herbal flavor of thyme. The crispy, buttery shortcrust contrasts perfectly with the juicy, tender berries and fragrant herbs. This pie is perfect for spring and summer when strawberries are at their peak, but it can be enjoyed year-round.

In this detailed recipe, we will walk you through the process of making this delicious pie, from preparing the shortcrust pastry to baking the pie to perfection. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Shortcrust Pastry:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water
• A pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Shortcrust Pastry

1. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Cut in the Butter
   Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces of butter.

3. Add the Egg Yolk
   Add the egg yolk to the mixture, and mix until the dough begins to come together. Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

4. Chill the Dough
   Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up and make it easier to roll out.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Prepare the Strawberries
   While the dough is chilling, wash, hull, and slice the strawberries. In a large bowl, toss the strawberries with cornstarch, sugar, lemon juice, and thyme leaves. Stir gently to coat the strawberries evenly.

2. Set Aside
   Let the strawberry mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the strawberries to release some juice. This will help create a flavorful and juicy filling.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. Roll the Dough
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit your pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough into the dish and press it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

3. Blind Bake the Crust (Optional)
   For a crispier base, blind bake the crust. Line the pastry with parchment paper, fill with baking beans or rice, and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the paper and beans and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Fill the Pie
   Once the crust is ready, pour the strawberry and thyme filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading the strawberries evenly. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter, if using, to add richness to the flavor.

2. Prepare the Egg Wash
   In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush the edges of the pie crust with the egg wash to give the crust a golden, shiny finish.

3. Bake the Pie
   Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. You may want to place a baking sheet underneath the pie to catch any drips from the filling.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Cool the Pie
   Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour before serving. This will give the filling time to set and make it easier to slice.

2. Serve
   Slice the pie and serve on its own, or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. The combination of sweet strawberries and fragrant thyme is sure to impress your guests.

Tips and Variations

1. Add Other Fruits: Feel free to mix in other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries to create a mixed berry pie.
2. Use Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries are not available, frozen strawberries can be used. Just make sure to thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before using.
3. Make it Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for pie crusts.

Health Benefits

1. Strawberries: Strawberries are high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. They support immune health and are excellent for skin health.
2. Thyme: Thyme is rich in vitamins A and C and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also supports digestion and respiratory health.
3. Butter: While rich, butter is a source of healthy fats that can be beneficial when consumed in moderation.

Storage

Store any leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer storage. Reheat in the oven before serving to restore the crust’s crispiness.

Conclusion

Shortcrust pie with strawberries and thyme is a beautifully simple yet flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the savory touch of thyme. The flaky crust and the vibrant fruit filling make it a perfect addition to any dessert table. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or just enjoying a cozy treat at home, this pie will definitely be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out today and experience the delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors in every bite!