Orange Pie is a delectable and aromatic dessert that celebrates the zesty and refreshing flavors of oranges. This delightful pie is a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making it a favorite treat for citrus enthusiasts. With a flaky pastry crust and a creamy orange filling, this pie is sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.

The history of Orange Pie is not as well-documented as some other famous desserts, but citrus-based desserts have been enjoyed for centuries. Oranges, with their exotic origins, were highly prized in ancient civilizations, and their zest and juice were often used in sweet and savory dishes.

As citrus cultivation spread, oranges became more widely available, and various orange-based desserts, including pies, emerged in different culinary traditions. Orange Pie likely evolved as a delicious way to incorporate the bright flavors of oranges into a dessert.

Today, Orange Pie is a popular dessert enjoyed in various forms across different cultures, each adding their unique twist to the classic recipe. Some versions may use orange zest and juice for the filling, while others might incorporate orange essence or extract for an even stronger citrus flavor.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 package 500g pastry sheets
• 150g Greek yogurt
• 200ml sunflower oil
• 100g sugar
• 4 eggs
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 20g baking powder
• 1 tsp orange essence

Syrup:

• 2 cups sugar
• 3 cups water
• Orange zest

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Separate the pastry sheets and set them aside to dry for 30 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients, including Greek yogurt, sunflower oil, sugar, eggs, orange zest, baking powder, and orange essence, and combine them gently to form a thin, creamy batter.
3. Tear the phyllo pastry sheets into small pieces and place them into the bowl with the batter mixture.
4. Pour the batter and phyllo pastry mixture into a greased rectangular (30×23) baking pan and bake in the oven at 180°C for 30 minutes or until the pie turns golden brown. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool.

Syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the ingredients for the syrup, which include sugar, water, and orange zest. Cook the mixture for 10 minutes.
2. Cut the cooled Orange Pie into equal square pieces and drizzle the syrup over them.
3. Serve the delicious Orange Pie with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful and refreshing dessert experience. Enjoy!

TIPS:

• Enhance the Orange Flavor: To intensify the orange flavor in your Orange Pie, consider using freshly squeezed orange juice along with the orange zest. The combination of juice and zest will provide a more robust citrus taste to the filling. Additionally, you can add a touch of orange extract to further elevate the orange essence in the pie.
• Avoid Soggy Crust: To prevent the pastry crust from becoming soggy, it’s essential to ensure that the pastry sheets are adequately dried before assembling the pie. Letting the pastry sheets sit out for 30 minutes as mentioned in the instructions helps remove excess moisture, resulting in a crispier crust. Also, when pouring the filling over the pastry, make sure it is not too watery, as excessive liquid can make the crust soggy.