Preparing the Pie Crust:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Cut in Butter: Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, stirring with a fork, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Fit: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer to the pie plate, trim and crimp the edges.
Making the Filling:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Sugar and Flour: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons of flour.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Pour into Crust: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
Baking the Pie:
- Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the pie is set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack to room temperature. The pie will continue to set as it cools.
Serving and Storage:
- Serving: Buttermilk pie is traditionally served at room temperature or chilled. It’s often enjoyed as is, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg for added flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
This Buttermilk Pie recipe is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of Southern baking, offering a dessert that’s deeply flavorful and satisfyingly creamy. Its straightforward preparation belies the complex interplay of tangy buttermilk, sweet sugar, and aromatic vanilla and nutmeg, making it a favorite among those who appreciate the finer points of home-cooked desserts. Whether for a special occasion or a simple family meal, buttermilk pie stands as a shining example of culinary tradition, inviting everyone to share in its rich, comforting embrace.