Apple and walnut pie

Apple and walnut pie is a dessert that evokes memories of grandparents, warm autumn days, and moments spent around the table with loved ones. This recipe not only offers a delicious combination of flavors but is also a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the cooking process. Let's discover together how we can create the perfect apple and walnut pie, step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 450 g wheat flour (preferably type 550, for a finer texture)
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 140 g natural yogurt (Greek yogurt can also be used for a creamier consistency)
- 1 egg (preferably at room temperature)
- 5 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 70 ml milk (warm, but not hot)
- 60 g butter (melted and then slightly cooled)
- a pinch of salt
- grated zest of one orange (for a fresh and aromatic taste)

*For the filling:*
- 1.4 kg apples (choose sweet and tart apples, such as green or yellow ones)
- 6-7 tablespoons sugar (depending on how sweet the apples are)
- 2 tablespoons oil (to sauté the apples)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or more if you are a fan of this flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground anise (optional, for a more exotic taste)
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar with vanilla bean (for an extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup ground walnuts (you can also use almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences)
- 1 egg for brushing (for a golden and appetizing crust)
- sugar for dusting at the end

Preparing the Dough:

1. Activating the yeast: Start by mixing the yeast with a tablespoon of sugar in a small bowl. This will help activate the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Heating the ingredients: In a saucepan, pour the milk and add the butter. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir until the milk becomes warm and the butter melts. Do not let it boil!

3. Combining the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, place the sifted flour, salt, sugar, and grated orange zest. Gently mix with a spatula to evenly distribute the ingredients.

4. Adding the wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the activated yeast, egg, and yogurt. Start mixing with a spatula, gradually adding the milk and butter mixture until you obtain a smooth dough.

5. Kneading: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes non-sticky and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

6. Rising: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Preparing the apples: Wash the apples, peel them, and grate them using a large grater. It is important to squeeze them well to remove excess juice so that the pie does not become too wet.

2. Sautéing the apples: In a pot, add the oil and grated apples. Sprinkle the sugar and vanilla bean sugar over the apples and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples become soft and no longer have juice (about 10-15 minutes).

3. Seasoning: Remove the pot from heat and add the cinnamon, ground anise, and ground walnuts. Mix well and let the filling cool.

Assembling the Pie:

1. Preparing the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a rectangular baking dish with butter, then line it with parchment paper.

2. Dividing the dough: After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first part on a floured surface as thin as possible and place it in the baking dish. Use a fork to prick the dough to help prevent air bubbles from forming.

3. Adding the filling: Pour the apple filling into the dish, smoothing it out with a spatula.

4. Closing the pie: Roll out the second part of the dough and place it over the filling. Prick again with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. With the excess dough, you can create decorative shapes, such as little leaves, to place on top of the pie.

5. Brushing: Beat an egg and use a brush to glaze the surface of the pie. This step will ensure a golden and appetizing crust.

Baking the Pie:

1. Placing in the oven: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden and well-baked. You can check the pie’s status with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

2. Cooling: Once the pie is baked, let it cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Serving: Dust the pie with powdered sugar before slicing. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea.

Tips and Tricks:
- If you want an even more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the apple filling.
- You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for a different texture.
- The pie keeps well at room temperature for a few days, but you can also freeze it to enjoy later.

Nutritional Benefits:
Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, while walnuts provide a healthy source of fats and proteins. This pie can be a delicious choice for a dessert, offering both satisfaction and nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use canned apples for the filling? It is recommended to use fresh apples, but if you don’t have any, make sure to drain them well.
- How can I make the pie less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use more tart apples.
- Can I replace yogurt with another ingredient? Yes, you can use sour cream or buttermilk, but yogurt provides a better texture.

This apple and walnut pie recipe is more than just a simple dessert; it is a bridge between generations, a symbol of culinary traditions, and a treat that brings joy. Enjoy every bite and let yourself be carried away by memories!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 450g flour, 20g yeast, 140g natural yogurt, 1 egg, 5 tablespoons sugar, 70ml milk, 60g butter, a pinch of salt, grated orange peel. Filling: 1.4kg apples, 6-7 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground anise, 2 teaspoons powdered sugar with vanilla pods, 1/2 cup ground walnuts, 1 egg for brushing, powdered sugar for dusting.