Dessert - Apple and Walnut Strudel by Nora I. - Recipia
Apple and Walnut Strudel - An Unforgettable Delight

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

It is said that strudel has deep roots in culinary traditions, symbolizing comfort and warmth at home. This apple and walnut strudel recipe combines the flavor of caramelized apples with the crunch of walnuts, bringing a touch of nostalgia to every slice. I invite you to discover step by step how to make this delicious dessert, perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 600 g of flour
- 1 cup of mineral water (approximately 250 ml, ideally warm)
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- Grated zest of one orange (adds a specific aroma, but lemon can also be used)

For the filling:
- 4-5 large apples (approximately 800 g)
- Sugar to taste (start with 150 g and adjust to preference)
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil
- 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar with vanilla beans (for an intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (or more if you like the aroma)
- 150 g of walnut meat (coarsely chopped)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional, but recommended)

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough
Start by warming the mineral water until it is warm but not hot. In a large bowl, sift the flour to aerate the main ingredient of the recipe. Add the salt, oil, and grated orange zest. These will give the dough a special aroma and a pleasant texture.

Pour the warm water into the center of the flour and start kneading. Knead the dough until it becomes non-sticky and easy to shape, which should take about 10 minutes. When the dough is ready, cover it with a clean towel and let it rest in a warm place for 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the gluten to relax, giving you a more elastic dough.

2. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, you can prepare the filling. Wash the apples and peel them, then grate them on a large grater. Squeeze out the excess juice to prevent the strudel from becoming too wet. In a pot, add the oil and grated apples. Sprinkle the sugar and powdered sugar with vanilla, being careful to adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the apples.

Cook the apples over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they soften slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Finally, add the cinnamon and mix well. Allow the filling to cool completely before using it.

3. Assembling the strudel
After the dough has rested, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into thin, rectangular sheets. Try to achieve a thickness of about 2 mm, so that the strudel is delicate and crispy after baking.

On each sheet, evenly spread the apple filling, leaving a margin of a few centimeters. Sprinkle the chopped walnut meat over the filling. Start rolling the strudel by bringing the bottom part of the dough to the middle, then cover with the top part. Gently press the edges to seal them, and you can tuck the ends to prevent the filling from leaking.

4. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease two loaf pans with margarine and line them with parchment paper. Place each strudel in the pan and prick them lightly with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Bake the strudels for 50 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.

5. Serving
Once baked, remove the strudels from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a rack to cool completely. Finally, dust them with powdered sugar for a special appearance and a sweet taste that will delight everyone.

Practical tips
- You can experiment with other types of fruits for the filling, such as pears or peaches, to add a personal touch to your strudel.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add some pine nuts to the filling.
- The strudel is delicious served with a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream, which will add a note of coolness and creaminess.
- If you want to make it even more special, add a splash of rum to the apple filling for a more complex flavor.

Nutritional information
One serving (approximately 100 g) of apple and walnut strudel contains about 250 calories, making it a delicious and satisfying choice. Apples, rich in fiber and vitamins, along with walnuts, which are an excellent source of healthy fats, turn this dessert into a nutritious choice, especially when consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free mixes, but you will need to adjust the amount of water.

2. How can I keep the strudel fresh?
The strudel keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can freeze it and reheat it in the oven to enjoy later.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, you can replace the oil with a vegetable oil and use an egg substitute to seal the dough.

I hope this apple and walnut strudel recipe brings you joy and comfort in the kitchen! With each slice enjoyed, you will feel the warmth of culinary traditions, and perhaps it will inspire you to create your own variations. Enjoy your meal!

Tags

Dessert - Apple and Walnut Strudel by Nora I. - Recipia

Categories