Braided apple and raisin pie
Twisted Apple and Raisin Pie – A Flavorful Indulgence for Any Occasion
If you want to bring a touch of magic to your kitchen, this twisted apple and raisin pie recipe is the perfect choice. The enticing aromas of caramelized apples, along with the sweetness of raisins and a subtle hint of cinnamon, turn this pie into an unforgettable dessert. Whether it's for a festive meal, a gathering with friends, or simply a special moment, this pie will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 30-40 minutes
Total: approximately 2 hours
Number of servings: 8-10
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 650 g flour
- 1 packet of dry yeast (7 g) or 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 100 g lard (or butter with 82% fat)
For the Filling:
- 8 large apples (preferably tart 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
- 1 egg + 2 tablespoons of milk for brushing the pie
- Powdered sugar for decoration
Step by Step Preparation
1. Preparing the Dough
In a larger bowl, combine the flour with the yeast. If using fresh yeast, it is recommended to make a starter with part of the lukewarm milk, one tablespoon of sugar, and a few tablespoons of flour. Let it rise for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Add the lukewarm milk, sugar, salt, lard, and eggs. Mix the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous dough. It is important that the dough is easy to shape and does not stick to your hands. If it is too wet, you can add a little more flour.
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in volume.
2. Preparing the Filling
Meanwhile, peel the apples and remove the seeds, then cut them into small cubes. Sprinkle them with lemon juice to prevent oxidation. In a pan, add the apples, sugar, vanilla sugar with cinnamon, and flour. Cook the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and the apples begin to soften.
Let the filling cool slightly, then add the lemon zest, raisins, and another teaspoon of cinnamon. This will add an extra touch of flavor.
3. Forming the Pie
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out each part into a rectangular sheet. Place half of the apple filling in the center of each sheet.
With a sharp knife, cut the sides of the dough diagonally, forming strips about 2-3 cm wide. Braid the strips of dough over the filling, alternating them to create a beautiful pattern. Place the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a small bowl, beat an egg with two tablespoons of milk and brush the pies with this mixture for a golden crust. Bake the pies for 30-40 minutes or until they become golden brown and fragrant.
5. Serving
After the pies have cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look. You can serve the pie plain or with a dollop of sweet cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
Tips and Practical Advice
- Apple Choices: Opt for tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious, for a balanced taste.
- Raisins: You can soak the raisins in warm water or rum for 10-15 minutes to make them softer and more flavorful.
- Variations: This recipe is versatile! Substitute apples with pears or apricots to experiment with other fruits. Add chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: A serving of pie has about 300 calories, being a good source of fiber from apples and antioxidants. It is a delicious choice, but consumed in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but you will need to adjust the liquid amounts.
2. How can I store the pie? Keep the pie in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
3. What drinks pair best with the pie? A warm fruit tea or mulled wine pairs perfectly with the flavors of this pie.
This twisted apple and raisin pie is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience that will bring joy to any moment. Each bite will evoke pleasant memories and create new ones. So, don't hesitate to try it – you will be delighted with the result!
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 of cinnamon, juice and zest of one large lemon, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 egg + 2 tablespoons of milk for brushing on top of the pie, a little powdered sugar for decoration.
