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CaribbeanAuthentic Cuisine

Caribbean Layered Pie

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Caribbean Layered Pie

Caribbean Layered Pie is a beloved dish found on home tables across the islands, where it embodies the vibrant essence of community cooking. Crafted with care, this pie is a staple at family gatherings and celebrations, where its generous layers of pastry and cheese bring comfort and joy. Each cook adds their unique touch, but the heart of the dish remains a shared experience, a culinary tradition passed down through generations.

The pie is a harmonious blend of buttery, flaky pastry sheets and rich, melted cheese, punctuated by the freshness of herbs. The layers create a texture that is both satisfying and comforting, with each bite offering a perfect balance of savory elements. Generous yet unpretentious, it's a dish that invites everyone to gather around and savor the flavors of the Caribbean.

Ingredients

  • 10pastry sheets
  • 200 gcheese
  • 100 gbutter
  • herbs — chopped

Method

  1. Begin by allowing 100 g of butter to soften at room temperature. This will make it easier to spread on the pastry sheets later. Meanwhile, grate 200 g of cheese and set it aside. This preparation will ensure a smooth process when assembling the pie.
  2. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven is heating, lay out the 10 pastry sheets on a clean surface. Using a pastry brush, gently spread a thin layer of the softened butter over each sheet. This will help the layers stick together and create a rich, flaky texture.
  3. Sprinkle a small amount of the grated cheese evenly over one buttered pastry sheet, then place another sheet on top. Repeat this process, layering butter and cheese between each sheet until all are stacked. This layering will create the characteristic rich and cheesy flavor of the pie.
  4. Once the layers are assembled, carefully transfer the stack to a baking dish. Press down gently to ensure the layers adhere to each other. This will help the pie maintain its shape during baking.
  5. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake until the top layer of pastry is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese has melted, about 20-25 minutes. The aroma should be rich and buttery, with a hint of toasted cheese.
  6. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly in the baking dish. This cooling period allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
  7. Finish by sprinkling fresh herbs over the top before serving. The herbs will add a fresh, aromatic touch that complements the rich, cheesy layers. Serve warm to enjoy the full flavor and texture of the Caribbean Layered Pie.
Cover of Authentic Caribbean Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Caribbean Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Caribbean Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Caribbean volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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