Alpine Comfort Pie
Alpine Comfort Pie is a hearty and flavorful savory pie that hails from the picturesque Goms Valley in Switzerland. Born out of necessity during times of isolation, this dish brings together the comforting flavors of Swiss Alpine bacon, tender potatoes, and the sweet tartness of baked apples and pears. The Valaisian petit lard, a delicately air-dried bacon, adds a wonderfully rich, aromatic profile, while the luscious melted raclette cheese binds all the ingredients together. Ideal for cozy gatherings or as a satisfying family meal, this pie embodies the spirit of alpine rustic cooking, where every bite tells a story of warmth and tradition.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Puff pastry
2 sheets (Thawed if frozen)
Waxy potatoes
4 large (Boiled the day before and grated)
Leek
1 (Washed and finely chopped)
Onions
4 small (or 2 large) (Peeled and thinly sliced)
Seasoned bacon (Valaisian petit lard or pancetta)
200 g (Cut into small sticks)
Raclette cheese
200 g (Diced)
Pears
2 (Peeled, cored, and diced)
Apples
2 (Suitable for baking, peeled, cored, and diced)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste (Cracked)
Egg yolk
1 (Beaten for glazing)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the Valaisian petit lard into small sticks resembling matchsticks, about the thickness of a cigarette. Without adding any fat, fry the bacon in a pan over medium-high heat until soft and fragrant. Once cooked, set aside, reserving the bacon fat in the pan.
2
Next, wash and finely chop the leek. Peel the onions and slice them thinly. In the same pan with the reserved bacon fat, add the sliced onions and chopped leek. Sauté until they are soft and start to caramelize, which should take about 10-15 minutes. This browning adds crucial flavor to the pie.
3
Peel the previously boiled potatoes and grate them coarsely. Season the grated potatoes with a pinch of salt.
4
Peel, core, and carefully dice the pears and apples, ensuring to perform this step last to prevent browning.
5
Dice the raclette cheese into small pieces. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large baking tray lined with parchment paper.
6
Roll out one sheet of puff pastry onto the baking tray. Evenly spread the grated potatoes across the pastry, leaving a 2.5-inch border around the edges.
7
Layer the diced pears and apples on top of the potatoes, followed by the sautéed onion and leek mixture. Evenly distribute the reserved bacon over the top, and finish with the diced raclette cheese. Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper for an added kick.
8
Cover the filling with the second sheet of puff pastry, carefully sealing the edges by crimping them together. Use a fork to create a few holes on the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
9
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk (or whole egg) and brush it over the pastry, giving it a beautiful golden glaze as it bakes.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the pie is puffed and golden brown. Allow the pie to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing with a long, sharp serrated knife. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful taste of the Swiss Alps!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alpine Comfort Pie?
Alpine Comfort Pie is a hearty savory pie from the Goms Valley in Switzerland, featuring bacon, potatoes, apples, pears, and raclette cheese.
Where does this recipe originate?
This dish hails from the picturesque Goms Valley in the Swiss Alps.
What is Valaisian petit lard?
It is a delicately air-dried bacon from the Valais region that adds a rich, aromatic profile to the dish.
What type of cheese is recommended for Alpine Comfort Pie?
The recipe calls for 200 grams of diced raclette cheese, which helps bind the ingredients together.
Can I use a substitute for the Swiss bacon?
Yes, pancetta can be used as a substitute for Valaisian petit lard if it is unavailable.
What kind of potatoes should be used?
Waxy potatoes are best for this recipe.
How should the potatoes be prepared before assembly?
The potatoes should be boiled the day before, peeled, and then coarsely grated.
Which fruits are included in this savory pie?
The recipe uses two pears and two apples, specifically those suitable for baking.
How do I prevent the apples and pears from browning?
Peel, core, and dice the fruit as the very last step before assembly to ensure freshness.
How should the bacon be cut?
Cut the bacon into small sticks resembling matchsticks, about the thickness of a cigarette.
Do I need to add oil or butter to fry the bacon?
No, you should fry the bacon sticks in a pan without adding any additional fat.
How long should the onions and leeks be sautéed?
Sauté them in the reserved bacon fat for about 10-15 minutes until they are soft and caramelized.
What type of pastry is used for the crust?
The recipe requires two sheets of puff pastry.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the pie take to bake?
The pie should bake for 30 minutes or until it is puffed and golden brown.
How much of a border should I leave when spreading the filling?
Leave a 2.5-inch border around the edges of the first pastry sheet.
How do I seal the two layers of pastry?
Carefully seal the edges by crimping them together.
Why should I use a fork on the top of the pastry?
Use a fork to create holes that allow steam to escape during the baking process.
What is used for the golden glaze on the crust?
A beaten egg yolk (or whole egg) is brushed over the pastry before baking.
Should the pie rest after it comes out of the oven?
Yes, allow the pie to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
What is the best way to slice Alpine Comfort Pie?
Use a long, sharp serrated knife to cut the warm pie.
Is this a traditional Swiss dish?
Yes, it is a traditional alpine rustic dish born out of necessity during times of isolation.
How many onions are needed for this recipe?
You will need 4 small onions or 2 large ones.
How much bacon is required?
The recipe calls for 200 grams of seasoned bacon.
What seasonings are added to the filling?
Salt is added to the potatoes, and freshly cracked black pepper is sprinkled over the cheese.
Is the leek used entirely?
The recipe uses one leek, which should be washed and finely chopped.
What is the role of the fruit in this savory dish?
The apples and pears provide a sweet tartness that balances the savory bacon and cheese.
How do I prepare the baking tray?
Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying family meal and a comforting tradition.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this pie?
The pie is savory, hearty, and aromatic with a balance of salt, sweetness, and rich melted cheese.