Traditional apple pie

Traditional Apple Pie

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

At the heart of any family is often a recipe for apple pie, a perfect combination of flavors and textures that reminds us of warm moments spent around the table. This classic recipe, rich in history, combines the sweetness of apples with a delicate and crunchy crust, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients needed

*For the dough:*
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 200 g butter or margarine (we recommend Rama margarine for a finer texture)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 6-10 tablespoons cold water (as needed)

*For the filling:*
- 8 cups peeled and sliced apples (choose sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine (for extra flavor)
- 1 egg, beaten, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for brushing)
- Sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by mixing the flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. It is essential to ensure that the dry ingredients are well combined to avoid clumps in the dough. Add the butter or margarine, cut into small cubes, and mix with your fingers or a dough mixer until you achieve a crumbly texture, similar to wet sand. This is the key to a flaky dough!

Add the lemon juice and cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing constantly. When the dough begins to come together, shape it into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes; this step is crucial for firming the butter and achieving a perfect crust.

2. Preparing the filling:
In a large bowl, mix all the filling ingredients: sliced apples, sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These flavors will blend beautifully during baking, creating a delicious filling. Set the filling aside for now.

3. Preheating the oven:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. A well-heated oven is essential for achieving a crispy crust.

4. Assembling the pie:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough to about 1 cm thick. Place the dough in a pie dish, preferably 23 cm, which you can dust with a little flour to prevent sticking.

Fill the dough with the apple filling and add a small piece of butter on top for extra flavor. Roll out the other half of the dough and place it over the apples. Trim any excess edges and make a small opening in the center of the pie to allow steam to escape.

5. Baking the pie:
Brush the top dough with the egg and water mixture for a golden, shiny crust. Sprinkle a little sugar on top, which will caramelize and add a crunchy texture. Bake the pie for 10 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius, then reduce the temperature to 190 degrees Celsius and continue baking for about 40 minutes, or until the filling begins to bubble.

6. Cooling:
Once the pie is baked, let it cool for at least an hour before slicing. This allows the filling to set, making slicing much easier and more aesthetically pleasing.

Practical tips:
- For a more intense flavor, add some nuts or raisins to the apple filling.
- You can use a mix of apples for a greater complexity of flavors.
- Served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream, this pie will turn any moment into a special one.

Nutritional information:
This pie is a good source of fiber due to the apples, and the brown sugar adds a deeper flavor and a slight hint of molasses. It is important to consume this pie in moderation, considering that each serving can contain approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned apples? Yes, but make sure to drain them well to avoid a soggy filling.
- How can I store leftovers? Keep the pie covered at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, the pie can be frozen before baking. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. Bake it directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes of baking.

Apple pie is more than just a dessert; it is a story in itself, full of memories and traditions. Whether you enjoy it at a family meal or give it as a gift, every bite is an invitation to savor the simple moments of life. So embrace the magic of cooking and enjoy your apple pie, a recipe that will bring happiness to your table!

 Ingredients: Dough: 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon fine salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 200g butter or Rama margarine, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 6-10 tablespoons cold water, depending on how much you need. Filling: 8 cups peeled and sliced apples, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, 1 egg mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water for brushing, sugar for sprinkling.