Apple and pumpkin pies

Apple and pumpkin pie – a delicious and comforting combination

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

On a cool autumn day, nothing compares to the inviting aroma of an apple and pumpkin pie baking in the oven. This recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the rich flavor of pumpkin, resulting in a pie that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether served as a dessert after a family dinner or as a snack throughout the day, this recipe is easy to make and extremely satisfying.

Ingredients needed:

*For the dough:*
- 2.5 kg of flour
- A piece of fresh yeast (about the size of a walnut)
- A pinch of salt
- 50 g sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of melted lard (or butter)
- 2 eggs
- Warm milk (about 300 ml, adjustable)

*For the filling:*
- 10 medium apples (preferably sweet and sour varieties)
- 150 g sugar (for apples and pumpkin)
- A pinch of cinnamon
- 1 small pumpkin (or half of a larger one)

Step by step in preparing the pie:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by placing the flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour, where you will add the fresh yeast. Dissolve the yeast with warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast), adding the sugar as well. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until the yeast starts to bubble. Add the eggs, melted lard, vinegar, and salt. Begin mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and pulls away from your fingers. You can add a little flour if necessary, but be careful not to dry it out.

2. Preparing the filling:
Peel the apples, wash them well, and grate them on a large grater. Heat a pan over medium heat, add the grated apples and 100 g of sugar. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft. Add a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the aroma.

In the meantime, peel the pumpkin, grate it on a large grater, and add it to another pan with the remaining sugar (50 g). Sauté over medium heat until it becomes soft and fragrant. If the pumpkin is too large, you can use only half or 3/4 of it, and roast the rest in the oven until browned. After roasting, you can use the flesh for other recipes or snacks.

3. Assembling the pie:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out the first piece of dough into a thin sheet that fits the baking tray. Grease the tray with a little oil or lard to prevent sticking.

Place the first sheet in the tray and add the apple filling, spreading it evenly over the surface. Roll out the second sheet of dough and cover the filling. You can make a few cuts on the top of the pie to allow steam to escape during baking.

4. Baking:
Place the pie in the oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes or until it becomes golden and browned on top.

5. Serving:
Once the pie is baked, let it cool slightly before cutting. It can be served plain or with a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for added flavor. You can also add a little grated nutmeg for an even more intense aroma.

Useful tips:
- Use apples of different varieties for a varied texture and taste. Sweet-tart apples are ideal for pies.
- The pumpkin can be roasted to enhance the flavor, but you can also use canned pumpkin for a quicker preparation.
- If you want to improve the appearance of the pie, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
- If you don’t have lard, you can use butter or sunflower oil.

Nutritional benefits:
This apple and pumpkin pie is rich in vitamins and minerals. Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, while pumpkin is full of beta-carotene and vitamins A and E. Consumed in moderation, this pie can be a healthy and delicious dessert.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of fruit for the filling?
Yes! You can experiment with pears, peaches, or even plums, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store the pie?
Store the pie in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pie, cut into portions.

3. Is it possible to make the dough without yeast?
Yes, you can use a baking powder dough recipe for a quicker version, but the texture will be different.

Delicious combinations:
This pie pairs perfectly with a spiced apple tea or a sweet white wine that will complement the sweetness of the apples and pumpkin. Additionally, a cup of warm cider with cinnamon will add an extra touch of comfort.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to try this apple and pumpkin pie recipe. Each bite will bring a touch of nostalgia and joy, and the aroma will fill your home with warmth and love. Enjoy!