Paifala (Samoan Pineapple Half-Moon Pies) recipe for #SundaySupper’s Pies, Sweet and Savory, Event! A flaky, coconut-based crust is filled with a sweet pineapple filling and baked until golden.
#SundaySupper
Today, Sunday Supper being hosted by Erica from The Crumbly Kitchen and we are celebrating with over 50 pie recipes! Pies come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and fillings, from sweet to savory.
Paifala (Samoan Pineapple Half-Moon Pies)
I made Paifala (Pai Fala) for the event, sweet Samoan hand pies filled with a pineapple custard. The pineapple filling is simmered on the stove with sugar and milk, then thickened with cornstarch. Once cooled, it is used to fill large half-moon shaped pies with a coconut milk-based crust .
These pies were a huge hit with my family. My daughter even stole the last bite right out of my husband’s hand when he let his guard down. They are sweet, but not overly so.
For the pineapple: You can use canned, crushed pineapple (just make sure it is preserved in juice and not syrup) or make your own. I cut up one fresh pineapple (minus the core) into about 1 inch pieces, then pulsed it in the food processor until it was the right texture, crushed but not completely pureed. To reserve the liquid, I drained the crushed pineapple through a fine mesh sieve. I measured out 2 cups of the crushed pineapple for the recipe and 1/3 cup of the resulting juice from draining.
Allow the pineapple filling to come to room temperature before assembling the pies. I made mine the night before and refrigerated until ready to use.
The crust should be handled just enough to form into a smooth dough. Overworking will cause it to become dense and tough. Carefully add in a little more coconut milk if the dough isn’t coming together and is too crumbly. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour. If the crust is too difficult to handle after forming, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to an hour to help with the rolling.
Be careful with how much pineapple filling you place in the center of the pie. Leave a good amount of border around the edges so it can easily be folded over and sealed. I personally love this quote from Samoa Food (link to video for assembling the Paifala): “Pay attention to how much you put in – too much and the pie will burst in the oven, too little and people will complain.”
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Paifala (Samoan Pineapple Half-Moon Pies) Recipe
Adapted from Samoa Food
Paifala (Samoan Pineapple Half-Moon Pies)
Ingredients
Filling:
- 2 cups drained, crushed pineapple (reserve the juice)
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
- 1/3 cup (30 grams) cornstarch
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) drained juice from the crushed pineapple
Crust:
- 3 cups (375 grams) all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch salt
- 1/3 cup (75 grams) unsalted butter chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) coconut milk
Instructions
To make the filling:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pineapple, sugar, and milk over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until it comes to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and pineapple juice. Stir into the saucepan mixture and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
To make the crust:
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the butter using a dough blade, forks, or your fingers just until the texture becomes coarse. Mix in the coconut milk just enough to bring together the dough. Add a little more coconut milk if too crumbly or a little flour if too sticky. Do not knead or overwork.
- Preheat oven to 375˚F. Line two baking sheets with parchment or lightly grease.
- Divide the dough into 5 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll a piece of dough into a thin circle about 8 inches wide. Fill the center with the cooled pineapple filling, leaving a border around the edges. Be careful not to overfill or you won't be able to close the pies or they may burst while baking.
- Lightly wet the edges of the circle with a finger dipped in water. Fold the circle over the filling to make a half moon, pressing along the edges to seal. Use a fork, dampened with water to prevent sticking, to press down along the edges and pierce a few times over the top to create vents. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Arrange the pies on the prepared baking sheets, keeping them an inch apart. Bake in preheated oven until golden, about 35 minutes. Rotate the pans halfway through baking. Remove and allow to cool before serving, either as whole pies or cut into thick strips. If desired, you can sprinkle them with a little powdered sugar.
Laura Dembowski (@piesandplots)
I have never heard of these little pies before. They look and sound amazing. I’m always up for a pineapple recipe.
culinarycam
How fun, Tara! We love hand pies. I can’t wait to try this. The pineapple filling looks amazing.
Liz Berg
I love hand pies and the pineapple filling sounds fabulous!!
hezzidD
These sound really unique but delicious
Sara
I never thought of a Pineapple Pie before! What a great idea! I’m trying this ASAP!
theninjabaker
Aloha! A bite of your pineapple perfection just might transport me to the Hawaiian islands…Thank you for the tips about the pineapple =)
monicastable
These look amazing! Love the tropical flavors…
Sarah Reid
Never thought of a pineapple pie before! Cool! I have got to try this!
palatablepastime
I’d love to try something like this as part of a summer pig roast/luau!
GT
Thanks for the recipe! The pie crust is lovely but the pie filling was a bit too sweet to my liking and my family. So we will try again and maybe less sugar for us.