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5 Pie Recipes From Around The World

Pies are eaten all around the world and can incorporate all kinds of fillings. There are savory pies that are great for when you want a hearty meal, and there are sweet pies that can be great as a dessert. On top of different fillings, there are many different pastry styles. This post delves into 5 exciting pie recipes from around the world that could be worth trying.

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Pie Recipes From Around The World – Aussie meat pie

Australia and New Zealand are both known for their tasty meat pies. These typically include a filling of minced beef, onion, and Worcestershire sauce (you can add tomato and various spices too if you like).

A mix of shortcrust pastry on the bottom and puff pastry on the top is often used.

Check out this recipe for a tasty gluten free pie crust if you can’t eat gluten. For more delicious gluten-free baking ideas and recipes, you can explore Great Without Gluten, a great resource for anyone avoiding gluten but still craving flavor.

It’s also worth noting that while this is a ‘meat’ pie, you can prepare it with potatoes instead if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

Coulibiac

Coulibiac is a tasty Russian fish pie that usually includes salmon and a buttery pastry.

A layer of egg is often included within the pie (although, as this recipe shows, you can substitute this for spinach).

Rice and mushrooms are also typically used within the filling to pack it out.

This pie can be served on its own or with a side of vegetables. Drizzle over a fish sauce for extra flavor!

Zwetschgenkuchen

This plum pie is a popular dessert served throughout Germany.

It’s made using a yeasty dough with a buttery strudel pastry topping.

Italian prune plums are a good choice for the filling/topping as they have the perfect sweet taste when cooked.

You can also add other fruits such as apricots and pears for extra sweetness.

This pie can be eaten on its own or eaten with cream. Check out this zwetschgenkuchen recipe if you’re up for the challenge.

Spanakopita

Next stop, Greece. Spanakopita is a popular savory pie containing spinach and feta cheese.

It can make a light lunchtime dish served with a side of salad, or it could be used as a side itself for a main dish such as lamb or lemon chicken.

Unlike other pies listed here, spanakopita uses a thin-leaved filo dough.

You can make your own filo dough from scratch or you can buy premade filo dough to save time.

Pastel de Choclo

Pastel de Choclo is popular throughout South America. It’s very similar to ‘Shepherd’s pie’ but it substitutes potato mash for mashed corn instead.

Ground beef is typically used as the filling, however, you can prepare a vegetarian option by using eggplant instead.

Feel free to also add lots of other fillings such as mushrooms, peppers and onions for extra flavor (red wine vinegar, soy sauce, and coconut milk are also commonly used).

Traditionally it’s cooked in a clay dish in a wood-burning oven, but you can cook it just as well at home in a standard baking tray and oven.

BONUS: Cardamom Pumpkin Pie

Cardamom Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is strongly associated with North America, but adding cardamom gives this classic dessert a flavor profile inspired by regions where the spice has been used for centuries, including parts of the Middle East, South Asia, and Scandinavia.

The filling combines pumpkin purée with eggs, cream, brown sugar, and warming spices. While cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are traditional choices, cardamom adds a fragrant citrus-like note that makes the pie feel a little more distinctive and sophisticated.

A buttery shortcrust pastry works best for the base, and the pie is typically baked until the filling is just set. Serve it chilled or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

If you enjoy experimenting with classic desserts, cardamom pumpkin pie is a simple way to give a familiar favorite a global twist.

FAQs – Pie Recipes From Around The World

Q: What makes the Aussie meat pie unique?
A: The Aussie meat pie, popular in both Australia and New Zealand, is known for its hearty filling of minced beef, onion, and Worcestershire sauce. Some variations include tomato or spices for extra flavor. It typically features shortcrust pastry on the bottom and puff pastry on the top. For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute potatoes for the meat. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free pie crust such as the one recommended from Great Without Gluten.
Q: What ingredients are used in a traditional Coulibiac?
A: Coulibiac is a traditional Russian fish pie usually made with salmon wrapped in a buttery pastry. The filling often includes rice and mushrooms, and a layer of boiled egg or spinach for texture and flavor. This rich pie can be enjoyed on its own or paired with vegetables, and many recipes suggest drizzling a light fish sauce over the top for added flavor.
Q: What is Zwetschgenkuchen and how is it prepared?
A: Zwetschgenkuchen is a German plum pie made with a yeasty dough and a buttery streusel topping. Italian prune plums are the preferred choice due to their perfectly sweet flavor when baked. You can also experiment with other fruits like apricots or pears for variety. This dessert is delicious on its own or served with whipped cream. If you’re ready to try it, follow a traditional zwetschgenkuchen recipe for authentic results.
Q: What is Spanakopita and what type of pastry does it use?
A: Spanakopita is a savory Greek pie filled with spinach and feta cheese, often served as a light lunch with salad or as a side dish for main courses like lamb or lemon chicken. Unlike most pies, Spanakopita uses delicate filo (phyllo) dough, which creates a flaky, crispy texture. You can make filo dough from scratch or use store-bought sheets to save time without compromising on taste.
Q: What is Pastel de Choclo and how does it differ from Shepherd’s pie?
A: Pastel de Choclo is a South American comfort dish similar to Shepherd’s pie but made with a mashed corn topping instead of mashed potatoes. The filling often includes ground beef, though vegetarian versions with eggplant are also popular. Many recipes also add ingredients like mushrooms, peppers, onions, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, or coconut milk for depth of flavor. Traditionally baked in a clay dish in a wood-fired oven, it can also be prepared in a standard baking tray at home.