Montserrat Cheddar Pie

About Montserrat Cheddar Pie

The Montserrat Cheddar Pie is a beloved dish hailing from the Caribbean island of Montserrat. Known for its rich, creamy filling and a flaky crust, this pie is a staple in Montserratian cuisine. Influenced by British culinary traditions due to the island's colonial history, the pie incorporates the use of Cheddar cheese, which remains a favored ingredient on the island.

Ingredients

• Flour - 2 cups
• Butter - 1 cup, cold and diced
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Water - 4 tablespoons, ice-cold
• Cheddar cheese - 2 cups, shredded
• Eggs - 3, beaten
• Milk - 1 cup
• Onion - 1, finely chopped
• Thyme - 1 teaspoon, dried
• Black pepper - 1 teaspoon, ground
• Parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped

Preparation

Preparing the Crust

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add the butter to the flour mixture and rub it with your fingers until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Slowly add the water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Making the Filling

1. In a medium-sized pan, sauté the onion until translucent.
2. In a bowl, combine the sautéed onion, Cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, thyme, black pepper, and parsley. Stir until well mixed.

Cooking Process

Assembling the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan.
3. Gently place the rolled dough into the pie pan, pressing it into the edges.
4. Pour the cheddar filling into the prepared crust.
5. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
6. Set your cooking timer to keep track of the baking time.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

How to Enjoy Montserrat Cheddar Pie

Montserrat Cheddar Pie can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any meal. Serve it as a main dish with a side salad to balance out its richness, or slice it into smaller portions for a delightful appetizer at your next gathering. Whether enjoyed on its own or accompanied by a fresh, crisp salad, this pie is sure to bring a taste of Montserrat to your table.

Each bite is an experience of crumbly, buttery flour crust mingling with the hearty flavor of Cheddar cheese. Bake up this beloved dish for your friends and family today and let the taste transport you to the sunny, serene shores of Montserrat.