Braided apple and raisin pie
Twisted Apple and Raisin Pie - A Flavorful Delight
Who can resist a twisted apple and raisin pie? This recipe is not just a simple pie, but a story of flavor, texture, and joy that intertwines with every strip of dough. Our twisted pie brings nostalgia and warmth in every bite, perfect for an afternoon spent with loved ones or to delight guests. Let's get to work!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours
Number of servings: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 650 g flour
- 1 packet of dry yeast (7 g) or 25 g of fresh yeast
- 2 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 100 g lard (or butter/margarine with 82% fat)
- a pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 8 large apples (preferably sweet-sour apples)
- 150 g sugar
- 100 g raisins
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar with cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- juice and zest of one large lemon
- 1 tablespoon of flour
For brushing:
- 1 egg + 2 tablespoons of milk
- powdered sugar for decoration
Step by Step Preparation
1. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour with dry yeast and a pinch of salt. If using fresh yeast, prepare a starter by mixing a bit of lukewarm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of flour. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the remaining ingredients: lukewarm milk, sugar, eggs, and melted lard. Mix well until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough.
2. Rising the Dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in volume. This is the perfect time to start preparing the filling!
3. Preparing the Filling:
Peel the apples and remove the seeds, then cut them into small cubes. Sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent oxidation. In a saucepan, add the apples, sugar, vanilla sugar with cinnamon, flour, and cinnamon. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar melts and the apples become slightly soft. Allow the filling to cool slightly before adding the raisins and lemon zest.
4. Forming the Pie:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured work surface, roll out a rectangular sheet. Place half of the apple filling in the center of the sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut the sides of the dough diagonally, forming strips. Braid the strips alternately over the filling to create a beautiful pattern. Repeat the process with the second piece of dough.
5. Baking:
Place the formed pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat an egg with 2 tablespoons of milk and brush the pies with this mixture for a golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-40 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and the flavors combine deliciously.
6. Finalizing:
Once the pies are baked, let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
Practical Tip:
To add a twist, you can replace the raisins with chopped nuts or add dark chocolate for a decadent variation. You can also experiment with different types of apples to find the perfect combination for your tastes!
Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
A serving of twisted apple and raisin pie contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the portion size and the ingredients used. Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, contributing to digestion and heart health. Raisins add a boost of antioxidants and energy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Of course! You can experiment with pears, peaches, or even berries for a seasonal pie.
2. How can I keep the pie fresh?
To keep the pie fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can be easily consumed for 2-3 days.
3. What can I serve with the pie?
This pie is delicious served warm, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with fresh cream.
A Personal Note:
This twisted apple and raisin pie recipe reminds me of my childhood when I would prepare it with my grandmother. It was our Sunday ritual, and the smell of caramelized apples filled our home with joy. I invite you to try this recipe and create your own delicious memories!
I hope this captivating recipe inspires you to unleash your imagination and culinary talent, and that twisted apple and raisin pie becomes your favorite!
Ingredients: Dough: 650g flour, 1 packet of dry yeast (7g) or 25g fresh yeast, a pinch of salt, 2 eggs, 150g sugar, 250ml lukewarm milk, 100g lard (or butter or margarine with 82% fat). Filling: 8 large apples, 150g sugar, 100g raisins, 2 packets of vanilla sugar with cinnamon, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, juice and grated zest of one large lemon, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 egg + 2 tablespoons milk for brushing on top of the pie, a little powdered sugar for dusting.
