Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Begin by preparing the pawpaw pulp. Carefully scoop out the ripe pawpaw fruit from its skin and seeds. Using a fork, mash the pawpaw pulp until it becomes a smooth and creamy consistency. Set aside.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and salt. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then add them to the sugar mixture. Stir until fully combined.
Slowly pour in the milk and vanilla extract, continuously stirring until the mixture is smooth.
Gently fold in the pawpaw pulp, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
Place the pie into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving.
Serve the pa paw pie at room temperature or chilled, as desired.
For an extra touch, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream.
Pawpaws (Asimina triloba) are the largest tropical fruit native to the Eastern United States. They grow on trees and ripen in the early Autumn months. Pawpaws have a custard-like texture and a sweet, tropical flavor reminiscent of bananas or mangoes (and sometimes lemon or crème brûlée). The fruit itself is green on the outside and yellow on the inside, with a few large black seeds in the middle. Pawpaws are often used in desserts, such as pies and ice cream, but their versatility extends into all kinds of culinary traditions. Despite being relatively unknown in mainstream markets, pawpaws are gaining popularity as more people discover their unique taste and versatility in various dishes.
Pawpaws have a unique, tropical taste that is often compared to a blend of banana, mango, and sometimes papaya. They can be as sweet as crème brûlée or as fruity as a lemon. The flesh of a ripe pawpaw is custard-like with a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness.The flavor of wild and cultivated pawpaws can vary greatly from variety to variety, but they always taste tropical, sweet, and complex.
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Read more here about pawpaws.