Charred Stone Fruit Pie with Smoked Sugar and Koji Recipe

Ingredients
Equipment
Directions
FAQs
Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.
This unique pie requires all-purpose flour, shio koji paste, smoked sugar, butter, stone fruits (peaches, plums, nectarines), cornstarch, vanilla bean, lemon, and egg for washing. The koji adds umami depth, while smoked sugar creates a complex caramelised finish.
Learn how to cook Charred Stone Fruit Pie with Smoked Sugar and Koji by creating a koji-infused pastry, charring stone fruits in a cast iron pan until caramelised, mixing with smoked sugar and cornstarch, then assembling with a lattice top. Bake at high heat initially, then reduce temperature and allow to cool completely for flavours to meld.
Use a smoking hot cast iron pan and place halved fruits cut-side down without moving them for 2-3 minutes. Look for deep caramelisation that borders on blackening in spots. This creates complex bitter notes that balance the sweetness while enhancing the fruits' natural flavours.
Yes, white miso paste makes an excellent substitute for shio koji, using approximately 2 tablespoons. Both ingredients add similar umami depth and help tenderize the gluten for a more delicate crust. The fermented elements create a subtle complexity that elevates traditional pie crust.
The crucial 3-hour cooling period allows the cornstarch in the filling to properly set, preventing a runny mess when sliced. This resting time also allows flavours to meld together, particularly important when using complex ingredients like charred fruits, koji, and smoked sugar.
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