Paifala American Samoa Half Moon Pies
Transport your taste buds to the tropical paradise of American Samoa with these delightful Paifala, also known as Half Moon Pies. These golden-brown hand pies are a perfect fusion of rich, buttery pastry and a luscious pineapple filling made with crushed pineapple, vanilla, and a hint of sweetness. The flaky crust, crafted with coconut milk for an irresistibly tender bite, encases the glossy, tangy-sweet pineapple filling, reminiscent of sunny island flavors. Ideal as a snack, dessert, or even a breakfast treat, these hand pies are baked to golden perfection after being brushed with a simple egg wash for an inviting shine. Effortlessly charming and deeply satisfying, these Paifala are a must-try for anyone craving an authentic taste of Samoan culinary tradition. Perfect for gatherings or to accompany a cup of tea, each bite offers a glimpse into the warmth and comfort of island-inspired baking.
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Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 0.5 cup Coconut milk
- 1 large Egg
- 20 ounces Pineapple (crushed, with juice)
- 3 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 0.25 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 large Egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons Milk (for egg wash)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder.
Step 3
Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4
In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk and egg. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until the dough just comes together.
Step 5
Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it into a smooth ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 6
While the dough chills, prepare the pineapple filling by combining the crushed pineapple (with juice), cornstarch, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 7
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the filling to cool completely to room temperature.
Step 8
Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a large round cutter (or a bowl with a diameter of approximately 6 inches) to cut out circles.
Step 9
Place about 2 tablespoons of the cooled pineapple filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
Step 10
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Step 11
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash to give them a golden sheen.
Step 12
Place the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Step 13
Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1628.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4280.0 |
| Total Fat 201.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 124.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 704.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 997.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 589.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 16.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 272.4g | |
| Protein 45.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 38IU | 0% |
| Calcium 243.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 18.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1220.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories