Apple Pie 2

Apple pie is an iconic dessert, distinguished by its natural sweetness and the inviting aroma of cinnamon, making it perfect for both family meals and special occasions. This delicious recipe combines the fluffy texture of the dough with the juicy apple filling, creating a contrast of flavors and textures that delights any palate.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 50 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 140 ml milk (warm)
- 12 g fresh yeast
- 1 pinch of salt
- 500 g flour
- 1-2 tablespoons semolina (to prevent moisture)
- grated zest of one orange (for extra flavor)

For the filling:
- 2 kg apples (choose sweet and aromatic apples, such as Golden or Jonagold)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 teaspoons powdered sugar with vanilla paste (or natural vanilla)
- 2 tablespoons oil (sunflower or olive)
- ½ teaspoon anise (for a subtle and exotic taste)
- 6-7 tablespoons sugar (adjustable to taste)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the filling

1. Wash and peel the apples: Choose fresh and firm apples. Wash them well, then peel them.
2. Grate the apples: Use a large grater to obtain strips of apples. Do not squeeze them too hard; you want to keep some of their natural juice.
3. Cook the apples: In a pan, add the oil, grated apples, sugar, and powdered sugar with vanilla paste. Carefully mix to avoid crushing the apples, and let simmer over medium heat until the apples start to release their juice and soften, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Add the spices: Towards the end, add the cinnamon and anise. Let it cook for another minute, then remove from heat and let the filling cool.

Step 2: Preparing the dough

1. Activating the yeast: Warm the milk until it is lukewarm (not hot). Add the yeast and 2 tablespoons of sugar, mixing well. Let the mixture sit in a warm place for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the egg with a pinch of salt. Add the sour cream and mix well. In another bowl, sift the flour, then add the cubed butter. Gently knead until you obtain a sandy texture.
3. Combining the ingredients: Add the egg and sour cream mixture to the flour. Gradually pour in the milk with yeast, kneading until you obtain an elastic dough. Incorporate the grated orange zest for a fresh and aromatic taste.
4. Resting the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rest for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Assembling the pie

1. Preparing the baking dish: Grease a baking dish with butter and line it with parchment paper.
2. Dividing the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first part on a floured surface, forming a rectangle.
3. Placing the filling: Sprinkle semolina on the dough sheet, then add the apple filling, spreading it evenly.
4. Covering the pie: Roll out the second dough sheet on top of the filling and prick it with a fork in several places to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 4: Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Baking the pie: Place the dish in the oven and bake the pie for 30-40 minutes, or until it becomes golden and a crispy crust forms on top.
3. Cooling: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the pie cool completely before dusting it with sugar.

Serving and suggestions

Apple pie is perfect served warm, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh cream. It can also be enjoyed with a cup of aromatic tea or coffee, making it an ideal dessert for quiet afternoons or gatherings with friends.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, having a low calorie content, which makes apple pie a healthier choice than other sugar-rich desserts. Cinnamon adds not only flavor but also antioxidant properties, while orange provides a boost of vitamin C.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! The pie also lends itself to other fillings, such as peaches, plums, or cherries. Each variation brings a unique flavor note.

2. How can I make the pie less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use tarter apples, which will balance the sweetness.

3. How long does the pie keep?
Apple pie keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days and can be refrigerated to last longer. Make sure it is covered to prevent drying out.

Possible variations

For a more intense flavor, try adding nuts or raisins to the apple filling. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour, to add a note of nutrition and a different texture.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! This apple pie will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy!