Pithivier

The Pithivier is a divine French pastry that has been delighting epicures since the 19th century. Its flaky crust and succulent filling have been culinary staples for generations - but what exactly is it?

Pithivier


The Pithivier is a type of galette, a savoury pastry made of two discs of dough which are filled with an assortment of ingredients. This combination of crunchy crust and lush filling make the Pithivier one of France’s most beloved dishes.

The traditional ingredients of a Pithivier are onions, mushrooms, chestnuts, herbs, and bacon or ham. These ingredients are diced and cooked until lightly browned, then placed between two rounds of puff-pastry dough. The Pithivier is then brushed with egg wash, sprinkled with sugar, and baked.

The result is a dish that is both appetizing to the eye and delightful to the palate. The crispy crust gives way to a plentiful and savoury center, which makes this treat a delightful experience for the taste buds. The sweet and savoury flavour combinations make this dish the perfect accompaniment to both wine and cheese.

The Pithivier has become a staple in French cuisine and can be found in bakeries, restaurants, and even home kitchens all over the country. This classic dish has become so popular that some chefs have even started experimenting with different fillings and variations. While the traditional version will always be a hit, these new takes on this classic dish can be just as tasty.

No matter how it is served, the Pithivier remains a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. This exquisite pastry is sure to please any discerning diner.

Pithivier recipes

Amazing Pithivier recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Pithivier

The Pithivier is an exquisitely delicate yet substantial French-born pastry dish, with a rich and venerable history dating back centuries. The origins of the word ‘Pithivier’ itself come from the name of the town in which it was first developed: the very picturesque Pithiviers in northern France.

This exquisite dish likely arrived in the area during the Middle Ages, when the twelfth century saw an influx of Italian immigrants who had fled the ongoing wars there. During this period, the skill of making pastries was considered an art form, and the Italian immigrants quickly established themselves as expert patissiers in the local area. They brought with them their own recipes, which they adapted to suit the local palates, resulting in the now-iconic Pithivier.

The exact ingredients that make up this pastry have changed over the centuries, but the mainstays are puff pastry in the form of two circles - a larger base and a smaller one for topping - filled with choices of ingredients, usually including some sort of sugary-savoury mix like almond, apricot, jam, chestnut or cream. It was traditionally served as a dessert, although modern interpretations have seen it used in savoury dishes too.

Since its original inception, the Pithivier has spread throughout France and beyond, becoming a popular dish not only in French cafés and restaurants, but also in countries where French cuisine is especially admired, such as Britain, the United States, and Australia.

The enduring popularity of the Pithivier can be attributed to a combination of factors; its beautiful look, the fact that individual flavours can be tailored to each person’s tastes, and the sheer versatility of this dish in both sweet and savoury applications. All these things combine to create a delightfully delectable offering that has been a favourite of French patisseries for centuries.

FAQs about Pithivier

Is a Pithivier a pie?

A Pithivier is a type of pie. It is a French pastry made with two disks of puff pastry filled with frangipane (almond cream) and often topped with a snowy sugar glaze.


What does Pithivier mean?

Pithivier is a type of French pastry made from two circles of puff pastry filled with either sweet or savory ingredients such as almond paste, custard, jam or meat. The pastry is usually baked in a special mould and can have decorative shapes cut out of the top layer to expose the filling underneath. It is named for the town of Pithiviers in central France where it is said to have originated.


What does Pithivier taste like?

Pithivier is a type of French pastry made with puff pastry and filled with sweet or savory ingredients. It has a buttery, flaky crust and is commonly filled with frangipane, almond cream, or a mixture of meats and vegetables. The flavor of the filling will depend on whatever ingredients are used.


What is the difference between a pie and a Pithivier?

A pie is typically a dish that includes a pastry crust filled with fruit, meat, or other ingredients, whereas a Pithivier is a round, enclosed pie made of two layers of puff pastry filled with almond cream and topped with a decorative finish.


Types of Pithivier

Ah, Pithivier. The bakery-stall staple of France - a scrumptious pastry pie with a delicate puff pastry crust and an array of fillings ranging from savoury to sweet. It's the perfect indulgence for any meal, any time of day. But did you know there are actually several different types of Pithivier? Let's explore the splendours of the Pithivier world, its many varieties, and the unique nuances of each.

First, the classic Pithivier. This version features a buttery, crisp puff pastry encasing a creamy vegetable-rice filling. The filling is traditionally made with mushrooms, herbs, and cheese, but it can be adapted with other ingredients as desired. The result is a beautiful, golden-brown pocket of goodness that can be served with a dollop of crème fraîche for added depth of flavour.

Then there's the traditional pâté feuilletée - a savoury take on Pithivier that swaps out the vegetable-rice filling for a rich pâté. The dough used for this version of the Pithivier is still the same crisp puff pastry, but the filling is transformed into a mix of ground meat, onions, and herbs. The result is an incredibly flavourful bite that will tantalize the taste buds.

Not feeling something savoury? Don't worry! There's also the popular sweet variety of Pithivier – the pomaine. This variant uses the same delicious puff pastry as the other versions, but instead of a veggie or pâté filling, it's filled with a medley of sweet fruits like apples, pears, or raspberries. It's then topped with a layer of almond cream and baked to perfection. The combination of sweet fruit, almond cream, and flaky pastry is heavenly.

Next, we have the galette, another variety of Pithivier. The galette utilises a gluten-free buckwheat pastry, filled with either sweet or savoury ingredients. While it might not look like the same flaky puff pastry as the other Pithivier variations, the galette still offers an incredible range of fillings, as well as a crunchy, nutty bite.

Finally, there's the Pithivier aux oeufs – a variation that combines the classic combination of puff pastry with a creamy egg-based filling. This version of the Pithivier features a combination of eggs, cream, gruyère cheese, and herbs, all nestled in a buttery pastry shell. It's a hearty, comforting treat that is sure to hit the spot.

As you can see, Pithivier truly has something for everyone. Whether you're a fan of savoury dishes, sweet treats, or a mix of both, Pithivier has a variety for you to enjoy. So the next time you find yourself in the vicinity of a bakery stall, don't forget to treat yourself to a piece of this delightful French pastry.