Saskatoon Berry Pie is a beloved Canadian dessert, especially cherished during the summer months. Originating from the western regions of Canada, Saskatoon berries are known for their unique sweet and nutty flavor. This pie highlights the berry's natural taste and is a perfect addition to summer gatherings or family dinners.
The Saskatoon berry, a small, purple-blue fruit native to North America, grows on shrubs found primarily in western Canada. Historically, it has been an important food source for Indigenous peoples in the region. Today, Saskatoon berries are celebrated in a variety of traditional Canadian recipes, with Saskatoon berry pie being a particularly popular choice.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups Saskatoon berries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
Method:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Berries: Rinse Saskatoon berries and remove stems and leaves. Place them in a large bowl.
3. Mix Filling: In a separate bowl, combine sugar, flour, lemon juice, and salt. Stir this mixture into the berries until evenly coated.
4. Assemble Pie: Fit one pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour in the berry mixture.
5. Add Butter: Cut butter into small pieces and scatter over the berry mixture.
6. Top Crust: Cover with the second pie crust, crimp the edges to seal, and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
7. Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8. Cool: Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Note:
- This recipe can be adapted for other berries like blueberries or blackberries if Saskatoon berries are unavailable.
- For a sweeter pie, adjust the sugar to 3/4 cup.
Nutrition Value:
1. Saskatoon Berries (5 cups)
Calories: ~275 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~75 g
Protein: ~3 g
Fat: ~1 g
Sodium: ~5 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Vitamins: High in vitamin C (provides about 40% of daily value per cup)
Minerals: Rich in iron, potassium, and calcium
Nutritional Benefit: Saskatoon berries are nutrient-dense and provide a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and essential minerals. They support immune function, healthy skin, and overall well-being.
2. Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup)
Calories: ~400 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~100 g
Protein: 0 g
Fat: 0 g
Sodium: 0 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Vitamins: None
Minerals: None
Nutritional Benefit: Granulated sugar adds sweetness but contributes no essential nutrients. It's important to use sugar in moderation to avoid excess calorie intake.
3. All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup)
Calories: ~110 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~23 g
Protein: ~3 g
Fat: ~0.5 g
Sodium: ~0 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Vitamins: Provides small amounts of B vitamins
Minerals: Contains iron and calcium
Nutritional Benefit: All-purpose flour provides carbohydrates for energy and small amounts of protein. It contributes to the structure and texture of the pie crust.
4. Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon)
Calories: ~4 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~1 g
Protein: 0 g
Fat: 0 g
Sodium: ~1 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Vitamins: High in vitamin C (provides about 10% of daily value per tablespoon)
Minerals: Contains potassium and small amounts of calcium and magnesium
Nutritional Benefit: Lemon juice adds a tangy flavor while providing a significant amount of vitamin C, which supports immune health and enhances the flavor of the pie filling.
5. Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
Calories: 0 kcal
Carbohydrates: 0 g
Protein: 0 g
Fat: 0 g
Sodium: ~575 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Vitamins: None
Minerals: Contains sodium
Nutritional Benefit: Salt enhances flavor and can help balance sweetness, but it's important to monitor intake due to its high sodium content.
6. Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons)
Calories: ~200 kcal
Carbohydrates: 0 g
Protein: 0 g
Fat: ~22 g
Sodium: ~2 mg
Cholesterol: ~60 mg
Vitamins: Provides vitamin A and small amounts of vitamin D
Minerals: Contains trace amounts of calcium and potassium
Nutritional Benefit: Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor to the pie crust. It contains fats that provide energy and support cell function but should be consumed in moderation.
7. Pie Crusts (2, homemade or store-bought)
Calories (per crust): ~800 kcal
Carbohydrates (per crust): ~80 g
Protein (per crust): ~6 g
Fat (per crust): ~40 g
Sodium (per crust): ~600 mg
Cholesterol (per crust): ~100 mg
Vitamins: Varies by recipe; typically provides small amounts of B vitamins
Minerals: Contains iron and calcium
Nutritional Benefit: Pie crusts provide carbohydrates and fats, which contribute to the energy content of the pie. Homemade crusts can be adjusted for healthier ingredients, while store-bought versions may contain additional preservatives.
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