Apple pie

Apple pie is a classic dessert that brings a touch of warmth and comfort at any time of the day. This simple and delicious recipe combines the sweet flavors of apples with the fluffy texture of the dough, creating a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're preparing it for a gathering with friends, a family meal, or simply to indulge yourself, this apple pie will quickly become a favorite.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 450 g flour
- 350 g sugar
- 6 eggs
- 200 ml oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Flavorings: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and the grated zest of one lemon

*For the filling:*
- 500-600 g apples (ideally, use sweet-tart apples, such as green ones)
- 100 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted and cooled butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2-3 tablespoons semolina

*For decoration:*
- 1-2 handfuls of chopped walnuts (not ground)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the filling: Start by peeling the apples and slicing them thinly. These slices will combine perfectly with the sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and semolina, creating a delicious filling. Mix all the filling ingredients in a large bowl and set them aside for a few minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

2. Preparing the dough: In another bowl, use a mixer to combine the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. If you don’t have a mixer, you can do this manually with a whisk. Add the flavorings (vanilla extract and lemon zest) and continue mixing, gradually adding the oil to achieve a smooth emulsion.

3. Adding the baking soda: Dissolve the baking soda in a little vinegar (about a tablespoon) and add it to the egg mixture. This will help the dough rise.

4. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour and gradually add it to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until the ingredients combine. It's important not to overmix, just until you no longer see flour.

5. Assembling the pie: Preheat the oven to 160°C. In a large baking dish (ideally 38 cm in diameter), lined with parchment paper or greased with butter, pour about half of the dough, spreading it evenly. Then add the apple filling, distributing it evenly over the surface. Finally, pour the other half of the dough on top. Don’t worry if it doesn’t smooth out perfectly; the oven's heat will help with this step.

6. Decorating: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top of the pie. They will not only add a pleasant texture but also a delicious taste.

7. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for about an hour on low heat. It’s important to check the pie in the last 10-15 minutes to ensure it doesn’t burn.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can cut it into rectangles of about 5 x 2.5 cm.

Helpful tips:

- Choosing apples: Use sweet-tart apples to achieve a pleasant contrast between sweet and sour. Granny Smith apples are excellent for this pie.
- Vegan option: You can replace the eggs with a very ripe mashed banana or a mixture of water with flax seeds (1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds with 3 tablespoons of water) for a vegan pie.
- Serving: This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It can be enjoyed warm or cold, and the next day it keeps very well in an airtight container.
- Nutritional benefits: Apples are a good source of fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and antioxidants. This pie is a healthier choice compared to other desserts, due to its fruit content.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How can I make the pie fluffier? Make sure not to overmix the dough after adding the flour. A gentle mix is key for a fluffy pie.
2. Can I use other fruits instead of apples? Absolutely! Peaches, plums, or even berries can be an excellent choice. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruits used.
3. How can I tell if the pie is baked? You can do the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the pie. If it comes out clean, the pie is ready.

Apple pie is not only a delicious dessert but also a recipe that brings back memories of family moments and traditions passed down through generations. So, get ready to sweeten your days with this simple and delicious recipe!

 Ingredients: Dough-450 g flour-350 g sugar-6 eggs-200 ml oil-1 teaspoon baking soda-aromas (vanilla, lemon zest) Filling-500-600 g apples-100 g sugar-2 tablespoons melted, cooled butter-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon-2-3 tablespoons semolina For decoration-a handful of chopped nuts (not ground)