3 Grain Pie Recipes You Must Try Now

The world of culinary arts is a vast and varied landscape, where each dish tells a story of culture, history, and creativity. Among the many delicious treats that humanity has devised, grain pies stand out as delightful combinations of texture and taste. These three grain pie recipes not only showcase the versatility of grains but also provide a delicious twist to traditional baking. Get ready to indulge in the savory and sweet delights that these pies offer.

Quinoa, Feta, and Spinach Pie

Quinoa is a powerhouse of nutrition, and when combined with the richness of feta cheese and the vibrant flavors of spinach, it creates a pie that’s both healthy and satisfying. Here’s how you can make this spectacular dish:

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or mint)
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Extra-virgin olive oil for sautéing
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pie crust, either homemade or store-bought

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Quinoa: In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare Filling: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent. Stir in the spinach, cooking until wilted. Let it cool slightly, then mix in the quinoa, feta, herbs, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble Pie: Roll out your pie dough into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the quinoa filling into the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the pie is set and the crust is golden brown. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Milky Millet Pie

Millet, with its mild flavor and creamy texture when cooked, is a perfect choice for creating a luscious, creamy pie that’s both dairy and gluten-free. Here’s how you can make this comforting dessert:

Ingredients

• 1 cup millet
• 3 cups almond milk or your choice of plant-based milk
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar or sweetener of choice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Gluten-free pie crust, homemade or store-bought
• Fresh fruit or berries for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Millet: Rinse the millet under cold water. In a saucepan, bring the almond milk, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt to a boil. Add millet, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring frequently, until the millet is tender and the mixture has thickened, about 25-30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Assemble Pie: Pour the millet mixture into the pie crust, spreading evenly.
4. Bake: Bake for about 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is set. Cool before serving, and garnish with fresh fruit if desired.

Wild Rice and Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie

This recipe transforms the traditional shepherd’s pie into a vegetarian masterpiece by utilizing wild rice and a medley of mushrooms, offering a hearty, flavorful alternative:

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 2 ¹⁄₂ cups vegetable broth
• 1 pound mushrooms, variety (shiitake, portobello, button)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup white wine (optional)
• 1 cup peas, frozen or fresh
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mashed potatoes for topping (can be made with 4 large russet potatoes, milk, butter, salt, and pepper)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook Rice: Cook the wild rice in vegetable broth as per package instructions until tender, then drain excess liquid.
3. Prepare Filling: In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add the mushrooms, cooking until they release moisture and become golden. Stir in thyme, rosemary, white wine if using, peas, soy sauce, and cooked wild rice. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble Pie: Transfer the rice and mushroom mixture to an ovenproof dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top, creating a thick layer.
5. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and slightly crispy on top.

🥄 Note: When working with wild rice, be sure to rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.

These grain-based pies offer a delightful variety of flavors and textures, proving that grains can be the stars of your baking endeavors. Whether you're looking for a healthy meal option or a comforting dessert, these pies cater to a range of dietary needs while still delivering taste and satisfaction.

From the savory goodness of the Quinoa, Feta, and Spinach Pie, through the sweet creaminess of the Milky Millet Pie, to the hearty, earthy Wild Rice and Mushroom Shepherd's Pie, these recipes showcase how versatile and nutritious grains can be. They're not only delicious but also offer an opportunity to experiment with different ingredients, flavors, and cultural cooking techniques. Enjoy your culinary journey with these pies, and may your kitchen be filled with the delightful aromas of these grain-filled wonders.

Can I use a different type of grain in these pie recipes?

+

Yes, you can substitute with other grains like farro, barley, or bulgur, but note that cooking times and liquid ratios might need adjusting based on the grain’s characteristics.

What can I use instead of a pie crust for these recipes?

+

Phyllo dough, puff pastry, or even a combination of breadcrumbs with melted butter can serve as good alternatives, offering different textures to your pies.

Are these pies suitable for people with gluten intolerance?

+

The Quinoa, Feta, and Spinach Pie and Milky Millet Pie can be made gluten-free by using appropriate flours for the crust. Ensure your pie crust is gluten-free or make one at home with gluten-free ingredients.