Ingredients for the Syrup
- 600 g sugar
- 500 g water
- 300 g orange juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
Ingredients for the Base
- 400 g phyllo pastry (for sweets)
- 2 oranges
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g olive oil or vegetable oil
- 250 g milk
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 vanilla extracts
- 3 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- A little butter and flour for the baking pan
Prepare the Syrup
In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, orange juice, and cinnamon stick. Boil over high heat. Once it comes to a boil, stir to dissolve the sugar completely. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool.
Prepare the Orange Pie
- Place the whole oranges in a pot filled with water. Boil for about 1 hour until they soften. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Once cooled, cut them in half, remove any seeds, squeeze out their juice, and place the remaining pulp and peel in a blender. Add the orange zest, oil, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
- Transfer the blended mixture into a large bowl. Add the baking powder, milk, baking soda, eggs, salt, and vanilla. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Set aside.
- Unwrap the phyllo pastry and cut it into thin strips. Separate the strips so they don’t stick together and let them dry out for 2–3 hours, or place them in the oven for 10–15 minutes to dry.
- Once dry, crumble the phyllo into very small pieces. Gradually add these pieces to the bowl with the batter, stirring constantly with a spatula to prevent them from clumping.
Bake the Pie
- Butter the inside of a baking pan and dust it with flour to cover all greased surfaces.
- Pour the prepared mixture into the pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180–190°C (355–375°F) for about 40–45 minutes, or until the pie turns golden.
Finish the Pie
Remove the hot pie from the oven and immediately pour the cold syrup over it. Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until well chilled. Cut into pieces and serve.
A Sweet Note:
This Orange Phyllo Pie (Portokalopita) captures the essence of Mediterranean sunshine with its zesty citrus flavor and delicate, syrup-soaked phyllo layers. Each bite offers a heavenly balance of brightness and sweetness, perfect for a special occasion or a blissful afternoon treat. Savor this comforting dessert and let its fragrance transport you to sun-kissed groves!
Discover the Sweet Stories Behind Every Dessert!
Curious about the history and charm of your favorite desserts? Click here to explore the detailed description we’ve created on DeliciousPath, where you’ll uncover fascinating facts and traditions behind every recipe. Let the journey into the world of sweets begin!
