Michael Davis
Mushroom pithivier is a dome-shaped pastry dish that originated in the French town of Pithivier. It is a free-standing, free-form pastry pie that is often used as a centrepiece. Traditional pithiviers were sweet desserts, but modern versions are more likely to be appetisers, filled with savoury ingredients such as mushrooms. The puff pastry is what defines a pithivier, and it is often decorated with carved lines or shapes. The dish is considered impressive but not too difficult to make, especially when using store-bought puff pastry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Vegetarian, Savory |
| Origin | France |
| Texture | Flaky, puffy |
| Filling | Mushrooms, crème fraîche, herbs, cheese |
| Preparation time | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Baking time | 20-25 minutes |
| Oven temperature | 200°C/390°F/gas mark 6 |
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What You'll Learn
Mushroom Pithivier is a vegetarian dish
Pithivier is a traditional French dish that originated in the town of Pithivier in the Orléans region of France and dates back to the 17th century. The traditional version is a dessert, often flavoured with frangipane, which is similar to marzipan. However, modern versions, such as the mushroom Pithivier, are more likely to be appetizers or main courses.
The mushroom filling can vary, with recipes including different types of mushrooms such as chestnut, shiitake, oyster, bona shimeji, and wild mushrooms. Some recipes also include ingredients like shallots, butter, oil, stock, salt, pepper, crème fraîche, ouzo, herbs, and cornflour. The mushrooms are typically cooked before being used as a filling, and the mixture is often seasoned and chilled before being used.
To assemble the Pithivier, the chilled mushroom filling is placed on a sheet of puff pastry, leaving a border around the edge. The border is then brushed with a beaten egg, and another sheet of pastry is placed on top. The edges are sealed, and the top is decorated with curved lines or other shapes. The entire pastry is then baked until golden brown.
Mushroom Pithivier is a versatile and impressive dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. It is a vegetarian-friendly option that satisfies both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
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It is a dome-shaped pastry
A mushroom pithivier is a dome-shaped pastry that originated in the French town of Pithivier. It is a type of pie, with a rich, meaty texture, often served as a vegetarian dish.
The pithivier is a traditional French dish, with the traditional version being a dessert, often flavoured with frangipane, similar to marzipan. Modern versions, however, are more likely to be appetisers, with savoury fillings.
The puff pastry is the defining feature of a pithivier. It is a versatile dish, with the option to use any type of mushroom, or even other fillings such as fish, fruit, or tofu. The pastry is usually store-bought, but can be made from scratch. The mushroom filling is cooked and cooled before being placed on the pastry, with an egg wash used to seal the pastry and give it colour. The pithivier is then baked in the oven until golden brown.
The dish is considered impressive, but not too difficult to make. It is recommended to rest the pithivier before baking, to prevent the pastry from becoming too soft. The baking itself is best started on convection, to help the pastry puff up. A small hole is necessary in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape.
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It is a French dish
A mushroom pithivier is a classic French dish that originates from the town of Pithiviers in northern France. It is a type of savory pie or pastry that is made with a circular shape and a distinctive dome-like structure. The dish is characterized by its flaky, golden crust and a rich, savory filling. The name "pithivier" is derived from the French word "pithiver," which means "a pastry baked in a Pithiviers mold."
Traditionally, a pithivier is made with a puff pastry dough that is layered and folded multiple times to create a light and airy texture. The dough is then filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, with mushroom being a popular savory option. The characteristic dome shape is achieved by placing the filling in the center of a circular pastry dough, then covering it with another circle of dough and crimping the edges to seal it.
For a mushroom pithivier, the filling typically consists of a mixture of mushrooms, onions, and herbs, seasoned with salt and pepper. Sometimes, cheese, such as Gruyère or Emmentaler, is added to the filling for extra flavor and creaminess. The pastry is then brushed with an egg wash before baking to give it a golden, glossy finish.
The dish is baked in the oven until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. When done, the pithivier should have a crispy, flaky exterior and a moist, flavorful filling. It is often served as a main course, accompanied by a green salad or roasted vegetables. Some people also like to serve it as an appetizer or as part of a picnic or potluck spread.
The beauty of a mushroom pithivier lies not only in its delicious flavor but also in its elegant presentation. It is a dish that is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping savory pastry. While it may take some time and effort to prepare, the results are well worth it, and it is a classic example of the sophistication and flavor of French cuisine.
To add on, the dish is best served warm or at room temperature. It can be made ahead of time and reheated gently in the oven before serving. Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated the next day, making it a convenient option for busy cooks. So, whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply wanting to indulge in a delicious savory treat, a mushroom pithivier is a wonderful choice that is sure to satisfy.
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It is made with puff pastry
A Mushroom Pithivier is a stunning vegetarian main course, often served as a festive dish during the holidays. While the name may sound fancy and complex, it is essentially a large, round, enclosed pie, and a beautiful way to showcase the humble mushroom. The key to a Pithivier is the pastry, and it is made with puff pastry, which is what gives the dish its impressive height and flakiness. The process begins with a large circle of puff pastry, which is then filled and shaped. The pastry is usually bought ready-made, and it needs to be of good quality, all-butter puff pastry, as this will make a difference to the final result. The pastry is rolled out to an even thickness, ensuring it is not too thin, as it needs to be sturdy enough to hold the filling and retain its shape. The circle should be at least 10 inches in diameter, with a slight overlap to seal the filling inside. The mushroom filling is placed in the center, and the pastry is then brushed with an egg wash to help it turn a golden brown during baking. A smaller circle of pastry is placed on top, and the edges are crimped and sealed with a fork. A key feature of the Pithivier is the distinctive spiral pattern on top, which is created by scoring the top pastry layer in a circular motion, working outwards from the center. This scoring also helps to ensure even cooking and allows steam to escape during baking. The pastry is then baked until it is puffed and golden brown. Using puff pastry ensures a light and flaky crust, and the distinctive height and shape of the Pithivier make it a real showstopper. It is an impressive dish to serve and a wonderful way to elevate mushrooms.
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It can be filled with different types of mushrooms
Mushroom pithiviers can be filled with a variety of mushrooms, both wild and cultivated. Wild mushrooms that can be used include cremini, button, shiitake, oyster, and clamshell, while cultivated varieties include chestnut, portobello, and shiitake mushrooms.
The type of mushroom used will impart a unique flavour and texture to the dish. For example, shiitake mushrooms have a meaty texture and a rich, savoury taste. Oyster mushrooms, on the other hand, are known for their delicate flavour and silky texture.
When preparing the mushroom filling, it is important to cook the mushrooms thoroughly to remove as much liquid as possible. This helps to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy. The mushrooms are typically cooked with butter, oil, and various seasonings before being cooled and used as a filling.
Some recipes call for a mixture of different mushroom varieties to create a complex and flavourful filling. For instance, Yotam Ottolenghi's recipe includes chestnut, shiitake, oyster, and buna shimeji mushrooms, resulting in a rich and earthy dish.
The versatility of mushroom pithiviers allows home cooks and chefs alike to experiment with different types of mushrooms, creating unique flavour profiles and textures to suit their tastes.
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Frequently asked questions
A mushroom pithivier is a dome-shaped, savoury pie made with puff pastry and filled with mushrooms and other ingredients like cheese, shallots, and herbs. It is a vegetarian dish that is said to have a rich, meaty texture.
The pithivier is a traditional French dish that originated in the town of Pithivier in the Orléans region of France and dates back to the 17th century. Traditional pithiviers were sweet desserts often flavoured with frangipane, but modern versions are more likely to be appetizers with savoury fillings.
To make a mushroom pithivier, you first prepare a mushroom filling by cooking mushrooms with other ingredients like shallots, butter, oil, and herbs. This filling is then cooled and placed on a sheet of puff pastry. Another sheet of pastry is placed on top, and the edges are sealed before baking in the oven until golden brown.
