Rustic apple pie
Apple pie is a traditional dish, full of warmth and nostalgia, reminding us of the days spent in the kitchen with our grandmothers. This recipe is not only delicious but also simple to make, perfect for any occasion, from a gathering with friends to a festive meal. I will share each step with you, so you can achieve a perfect apple pie, with a tender crust and flavorful filling.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients:
*For the dough:*
- 75 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 100 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 vanilla essence (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 200 g sour cream
- A pinch of baking soda
- 5 g (1/2 packet) baking powder
- Flour as needed (approximately 450 g)
*For the filling:*
- 1100 g peeled and cored apples
- 100 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pan size: 27 cm x 37 cm
Preparing the dough:
1. Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, add the soft butter and both types of sugar. Use a mixer or a wooden spatula to cream them well until you achieve a creamy, slightly light-colored mixture.
2. Add the egg, salt, vanilla essence, sour cream, and baking soda. Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring they are combined.
3. Gradually add the flour along with the baking powder. Knead the dough with your hands until you achieve a non-sticky texture. It is important not to over-knead to keep the dough tender.
4. Once you have the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. This step will help firm up the butter in the dough, resulting in a fluffier pie.
Preparing the filling:
5. Meanwhile, prepare the apples. Peel and core them, then grate them using a food processor or chop them into small cubes with a knife. The apples should be juicy and flavorful, so choosing the right variety is essential.
6. Place the grated apples in a large pan and add the sugar. Sauté them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the juice released by the apples significantly reduces. This step will intensify the flavors and prevent the pie from becoming too wet.
Assembling the pie:
7. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. Divide the dough into two parts, leaving the first part thicker. This will be the base of the pie, while the second part, the top layer, will be thinner.
9. On a floured surface, roll out the first dough layer using a rolling pin. Transfer the layer to a greased baking pan lined with parchment paper.
10. Prick the dough in several places with a fork, then sprinkle the two tablespoons of semolina. This will absorb the moisture from the apples, keeping the crust crispy.
11. Evenly distribute the sautéed apples over the first layer, then sprinkle cinnamon for added flavor.
12. Roll out the second layer of dough on an oiled surface, then gently roll it onto the rolling pin and place it over the apples. Make sure to prick this layer in several places as well to allow steam to escape during baking.
Baking the pie:
13. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the pie for about 40 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
14. Once the pie is ready, you can dust it with powdered sugar for a more elegant look. Let it cool slightly before cutting it into portions.
Serving and suggestions:
Apple pie is served warm or at room temperature, delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sour cream. The flavors combine perfectly, and the contrasting textures provide an unforgettable culinary experience.
Tips and variations:
- If you enjoy more intense flavors, you can add a splash of rum or a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling.
- You can experiment with different types of apples: some tart, others sweeter, to create a customized pie.
- Instead of white sugar, you can use brown sugar for a caramelized note.
- Another interesting variation is to add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Nutritional benefits:
This apple pie is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits. Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, contributing to digestive health and strengthening the immune system. Although it is a dessert, moderate consumption can be part of a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, this recipe is versatile. You can replace apples with pears, peaches, or even cherries, depending on your preferences.
2. How do I store the pie?
The pie stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven before serving.
3. Is it necessary to use semolina?
Semolina helps absorb moisture from the filling, but if you don't have it, you can also use flour or cornstarch.
4. How can I make the pie less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and choose tarter apples, which will add a note of freshness.
This apple pie recipe is not just a treat but also a way to bring a piece of childhood memories into the present. I hope you try this recipe and that it quickly becomes your favorite! Enjoy!
Ingredients: Dough: 75 g sugar; two packets of vanilla sugar; 100 g soft butter; one egg; a pinch of salt; vanilla essence; 200 g sour cream; a pinch of baking soda; half a packet of baking powder (5 g); flour as needed (450 g). Filling: 1100 g of peeled and cored apples; 100 g sugar; two tablespoons semolina; one teaspoon cinnamon powder. Tray size: 27/37 cm.
