Goumi berries, with their unique tartness and vibrant color, offer a delightful twist on classic berry pies. While some recipes can be quite complex, this guide focuses on simple, accessible recipes perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. We'll explore variations to cater to different preferences and skill levels.
What are Goumi Berries?
Before diving into the recipes, let's briefly explore what makes goumi berries so special. These small, oblong berries boast a distinctly tart flavor, often described as a blend of cranberry and cherry. Their high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties add to their appeal. This tartness means they pair beautifully with sweeter elements in baked goods.
Simple Goumi Berry Pie Recipe (No-fuss Crust)
This recipe utilizes a store-bought pie crust for convenience, allowing you to focus on the delicious goumi berry filling.
Ingredients:
- 1 (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
- 3 cups fresh or frozen goumi berries
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, gently combine goumi berries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the pie: Unroll one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie plate. Pour the goumi berry filling into the crust. Dot the top with butter pieces.
- Top crust (optional): You can either leave the top crust open (for a rustic look) or cover it with the second pie crust, cutting slits for ventilation.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Goumi Berry Pie with a Crumble Topping (Easier than a full crust!)
This variation simplifies the process further by replacing the bottom crust with a simple crumble topping.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen goumi berries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, gently toss goumi berries, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Make the crumble: In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the oat mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the goumi berry filling into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Let cool slightly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen goumi berries for these recipes?
Yes, frozen goumi berries work perfectly well in these recipes. You may not need to add as much additional liquid, as frozen berries will release their juices during baking.
How can I make the pie less tart?
If you prefer a less tart pie, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe to your liking. You can also add a touch of sweetness with a vanilla bean paste or extract.
What other fruits can I combine with goumi berries in a pie?
Goumi berries pair well with other tart fruits like raspberries, cranberries, or rhubarb. Sweet berries like strawberries or blueberries can balance the tartness as well. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
The pie is best served fresh, but you can bake it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The filling will thicken as it cools and sets.
These simple recipes offer delicious ways to enjoy the unique tartness of goumi berries. Feel free to experiment with different crusts, toppings, and flavor combinations to create your perfect goumi berry pie!
