Dish

Pithiviers

Pithiviers is made by rolling out puff pastry and cutting it into two circles. The filling is then placed on one of the circles, and the other circle is placed on top to form a dome. The edges are then crimped together to seal the pastry. The pastry is then baked in the oven until golden brown and puffed up. The resulting pithiviers is flaky and buttery, with a sweet or savory filling that adds a nice contrast to the pastry.

European cuisine› Western European cuisine› French cuisine

Pie

Origins and history

Pithiviers is believed to have originated in the town of Pithiviers in central France, where it was first made in the 17th century. It was originally made with a sweet almond filling, but over time, savory fillings such as chicken and mushroom were added to the mix. Pithiviers has since become a staple in French cuisine, and is enjoyed both at home and in restaurants around the world.

Dietary considerations

Pithiviers can be made to suit a wide variety of dietary needs and preferences. Vegan and gluten-free puff pastry can be used to make the pastry, while the filling can be made with a wide variety of ingredients to suit different dietary needs. However, some pithiviers may contain high levels of sugar or fat, so they should be consumed in moderation.

Variations

There are many variations of pithiviers, with different types of fillings and pastry. Some pithiviers are made with a lattice crust, while others have a crumbly topping. Some pithiviers are made with a single filling, while others have multiple layers of different flavors and textures. Some pithiviers are also made with unusual ingredients, such as foie gras or truffles.

Presentation and garnishing

Pithiviers can be presented in a variety of ways, depending on the filling and the occasion. Sweet pithiviers can be decorated with whipped cream or fruit, while savory pithiviers can be garnished with fresh herbs or grated cheese. To make pithiviers more visually appealing, you can use cookie cutters to create decorative shapes in the pastry, or use a lattice crust to show off the filling.

Tips & Tricks

To make puff pastry flakier, you can use cold butter and ice water when making the dough. To prevent the filling from becoming too runny, you can add a thickener such as cornstarch or flour. Pithiviers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month.

Side-dishes

Pithiviers can be served with a wide variety of side dishes, depending on the filling. Sweet pithiviers are often served with whipped cream or ice cream, while savory pithiviers can be served with a side salad or roasted vegetables. Some people also enjoy eating pithiviers on their own as a snack or appetizer.

Drink pairings

Pithiviers pairs well with a wide variety of drinks, depending on the filling. Sweet pithiviers are often served with coffee or tea, while savory pithiviers can be paired with beer or wine. Some people also enjoy drinking milk or hot chocolate with their pithiviers.