Apple pie

Apple Pie – A Classic and Flavorful Delight

If you're looking for a quick dessert that brings warmth and flavor into your home, apple pie is the perfect choice. With a flaky crust and a sweet-tart filling, this recipe is a true culinary indulgence. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a moment of indulgence, apple pie will surely become your favorite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 350 g of flour
- 150 g of sugar (preferably granulated)
- 175 g of cold butter, cubed
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 egg yolks
- Cold water (about 6-7 tablespoons)

For the filling:
- 6 large apples (we recommend Granny Smith or Ionatan apples for a perfect balance of sweet and tart)
- 100 g of raisins
- 1 cup of sugar (about 200 ml)
- 4 heaping tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional, but recommended)

Other ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of semolina (to absorb moisture)
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Preparation Technique

Preparing the crust:

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. This will be the base of your pie, so make sure the ingredients are well blended.

2. Add the butter: Incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Use a fork or your fingers to work it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add the yolks and water: Add the yolks and cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing quickly until you achieve a smooth dough. Do not over-knead to keep the dough flaky.

4. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Preparing the filling:

1. Prepare the apples: Peel and cube the apples. These will be the base of the flavorful filling.

2. Cook the filling: In a saucepan, add the cubed apples, sugar, cornstarch, and raisins. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously until the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Finally, add the cinnamon for extra flavor and let the filling cool completely.

Assembling the pie:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

2. Divide the dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two equal parts.

3. Roll out the first sheet: Using a rolling pin, roll out the first part of the dough on a floured surface. Carefully place it in the baking dish, ensuring the sides are covered up to a height of 4 cm.

4. Add the semolina and filling: Sprinkle a tablespoon of semolina on the bottom of the dough to absorb moisture, then pour in the cooled apple filling.

5. Roll out the second sheet: Roll out the second part of the dough and place it over the filling, sealing the edges well.

6. Brush with yolk: Beat an egg yolk and brush the surface of the pie with it to achieve a golden crust.

7. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. If you notice it browning too quickly, you can cover the pie with a sheet of parchment paper.

8. Cool: Once the pie is baked, let it cool completely in the dish. Then, transfer it to a platter and sprinkle powdered sugar for a delicious look.

Helpful Tips

- Choose apples carefully: Tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Ionatan, are ideal for balancing the sweetness of the sugar.
- Varieties: You can add nuts or almonds to the filling for extra texture. You can also experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar, for a deeper flavor.
- Serving: This pie is delicious both warm and cold. It can be served plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for an even greater indulgence.

Nutritional Benefits

Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C. Although the pie contains sugar and butter, when consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet. The semolina used in the crust helps absorb moisture, providing a better texture to the pie.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches, but the cooking time may vary.
- How can I store the pie? You can store it in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. It is recommended to reheat it slightly before serving to restore its texture.
- What drinks pair well with apple pie? A cup of warm herbal tea or mulled wine can perfectly complement the flavor of the pie.

Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to embark on a culinary adventure and create an apple pie that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for dough: 350 grams of flour, 150 grams of sugar (I used granulated sugar), 175 grams of cold butter, a pinch of salt, 2 egg yolks, cold water ~6-7 tablespoons. Ingredients for filling: 6 large Granny Smith apples (I used Jonagold), 100 grams of raisins, 1 cup of sugar (200 ml), 4 heaping tablespoons of starch, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon (original recipe calls for 1 teaspoon). Other ingredients: 1 tablespoon of semolina, 1 egg yolk, powdered sugar.