Antigua Jubilee Pie
Background and History
The Antigua Jubilee Pie is a delightful dish with a rich background that finds its roots in the vibrant culture of the Caribbean island of Antigua. This pie beautifully combines traditional ingredients with a modern twist, providing an experience that is both nostalgic and exciting. It is often prepared during celebrations on the island, especially during the carnival season and the annual independence festivities. The pie symbolizes the fusion of Indian, African, and European culinary influences that characterize much of Caribbean cuisine, resulting in a dish that is spicy, sweet, and utterly irresistible.
Over time, the Antigua Jubilee Pie has become synonymous with family gatherings and joyful events, holding a special place in the hearts of locals. What makes this pie stand out is its unique blend of tropical fruits and bold spices encased in a buttery crust, creating a symphony of flavors with each bite.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour - 2 cups
- Unsalted Butter - 1 cup (cold, cubed)
- Cold Water - 4-5 tablespoons
- Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
- Mango - 1 cup (peeled and chopped)
- Pineapple - 1 cup (chopped)
- Banana - 1 cup (sliced)
- Dark Brown Sugar - 3/4 cup
- Lemon Juice - 2 tablespoons
- Ground Nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
- Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
- Egg - 1 (for egg wash)
- Water - 1 tablespoon (for egg wash)
Preparation
Preparing the Pastry
Begin by making the pastry for the pie. In a large mixing bowl, add all-purpose flour and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend in the unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
Prepping the Filling
While the dough chills, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the mango, pineapple, banana, and dark brown sugar. Add lemon juice, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Gently fold everything together. Finally, sprinkle cornstarch over the fruit mixture and stir until fully incorporated, ensuring the filling will thicken as it bakes.
Cooking Process
Assembling the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Gently transfer the rolled dough to the pan, allowing the edges to drape over. Pour the prepared fruit filling into the crust, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together to make the egg wash. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash to achieve a golden finish once baked.
Baking the Pie
Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. The crust should turn a beautiful golden brown, and the filling should bubble gently through the slits in the top crust. To confirm doneness, use a toothpick to check the tenderness of the fruit filling.
If you need to keep track of the cooking time, consider using a reliable timer to ensure perfect results.
How to Enjoy Antigua Jubilee Pie
Allow your Antigua Jubilee Pie to cool slightly before serving. This step is crucial to ensure the filling sets and is easier to slice. Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the tropical flavors. The balance of sweet and spice in the pie makes it an ideal afternoon treat or a flavorful dessert after a hearty meal.
Each bite is a journey to the island of Antigua, where the sunshine blesses the land and the rich cultural heritage is celebrated through culinary dishes like this magnificent Jubilee Pie.