Recipe: Fig and Lime Pie

Recipe: Fig and Lime Pie

Fig and lime pie is a unique and refreshing dessert that combines the rich sweetness of figs with the tangy citrus flavor of lime. The soft, juicy figs pair beautifully with the tart lime, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This pie is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a fruity, flavorful dessert that is easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Learn how to make fig and lime pie! This refreshing pie combines the sweetness of figs with the zesty tang of lime, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will impress any guest.  Let’s explore how to make this delicious pie, from the buttery crust to the vibrant fig and lime filling.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)
• 2-3 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh figs (cut into quarters)
• 1/4 cup honey (or more to taste)
• Zest of 2 limes
• 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Topping (Optional):

• Whipped cream or crème fraîche
• Lime zest for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

1. Prepare the Crust
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Add Ice Water
   Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

3. Chill the Dough
   Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow it to rest.

4. Roll Out the Dough
   Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim any excess. If necessary, use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

5. Pre-bake the Crust
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the pie crust with parchment paper or foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper, and bake for another 5 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Figs
   In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh figs, honey, lime zest, and lime juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the figs begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

2. Thicken the Filling
   In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the fig mixture, stirring constantly until the filling thickens and becomes glossy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Finish the Filling
   Once the filling has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the butter until it melts and blends smoothly into the mixture.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Fill the Pie Crust
   Pour the fig and lime mixture into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Allow the filling to cool to room temperature.

2. Chill the Pie
   Once the pie has cooled, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until the filling has set.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve
   Before serving, garnish the pie with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche, and sprinkle some lime zest over the top for an added burst of flavor.

2. Storage
   Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Tips and Variations

1. Add Other Fruits
   Feel free to mix in other fruits, such as pears or apples, for a more complex flavor profile. These fruits pair nicely with figs and lime.

2. Make It Vegan
   For a vegan version, substitute the butter in the crust and filling with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness.

3. Make It Gluten-Free
   Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust and enjoy a gluten-free version of this delicious pie.

4. Use Dried Figs
   If fresh figs are unavailable, you can use dried figs. Just be sure to rehydrate them in warm water for about 30 minutes before using them in the recipe.

Health Benefits

1. Figs
   Figs are rich in fiber, which supports healthy digestion. They also contain important minerals such as potassium and magnesium, which help regulate blood pressure.

2. Limes
   Limes are an excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, supports skin health, and promotes wound healing.

3. Honey
   Honey provides a natural source of energy and contains antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.

Conclusion

Fig and lime pie is a perfect dessert that combines the sweet, earthy flavors of figs with the bright, refreshing zing of lime. The buttery crust and smooth filling create a deliciously balanced treat that can be enjoyed by anyone. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just as a weekend treat, this pie is sure to impress with its unique combination of flavors. Try this recipe today and experience the harmony of figs and lime in every bite!