Dessert - Apple Pie by Carolina C. - Recipia
Caramelized Apple Tart - A Fall Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 60 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Welcome to our kitchen, where today we will prepare a delicious caramelized apple tart, a simple yet flavorful dessert, perfect for delighting your family and friends. This recipe is inspired by old traditions, transformed by the addition of ingredients that enhance the flavor and texture, making it unique.

Recipe History

Apple tart is a classic dessert, cherished worldwide. Over time, it has evolved into countless variations, each with a unique taste and presentation. The recipe we will prepare today is a perfect combination of tender pastry and sweet, caramelized apples, bringing a touch of nostalgia and comfort.

Ingredients

For the pastry:
- 150 g homemade lard (unsalted, preferable)
- 400 g all-purpose flour (type 000)
- 2 eggs
- 150 ml milk
- 1 packet baking powder (approximately 10 g)
- 1 packet bourbon vanilla sugar (approximately 10 g)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange

For the filling:
- 1 kg apples (preferably tart apples, such as green ones)
- 300 g sugar
- 20 g ground cinnamon
- 20 g semolina (to absorb the apple juice)
- Powdered sugar, for decoration

Preparing the Pastry

1. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour, diced lard, eggs, milk, bourbon vanilla sugar, baking powder, lemon and orange zest. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until you obtain a smooth and soft dough. It is important not to overmix, to keep the texture tender.

2. Chilling the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in a zip lock bag and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 60 minutes. This step is essential as it makes the dough easier to roll out.

Preparing the Apple Filling

3. Preparing the Apples: Peel the apples and grate them using a large grater. Place them in a large pan along with the sugar and ground cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the juice evaporates and the apples become glossy. This process intensifies the apple flavor and makes them sweeter.

Assembling the Tarts

4. Dividing and Rolling Out the Dough: After the dough has chilled, remove it and divide it into two equal parts. Roll out each part between two sheets of baking paper or in plastic bags to prevent sticking. Aim for an even thickness.

5. Preparing the Tart Pan: Grease a tart pan with a little oil and dust it with flour, being careful not to use too much oil, as the dough already contains fats.

6. Assembling: Place the first sheet of dough in the pan, arranging it evenly. Sprinkle the semolina on the base of the dough to absorb excess moisture from the apples. Add the apple filling, then place the second sheet of dough on top. Prick the top sheet with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

Baking

7. Baking the Tarts: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the dough turns golden.

Finishing

8. Cooling and Decorating: Once the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan, then turn it onto a cooling rack. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant and delicious finish.

Serving and Variations

The caramelized apple tart can be served plain or alongside vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or whipped cream. You can experiment with various flavors by adding ground cloves or nutmeg to the apple mixture for added depth.

Useful Tips

- Types of Apples: Choosing the right apples is crucial. Tart apples provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the sugar. We recommend using a combination of apples for more interesting texture and flavor.
- Dough: If you prefer an even crispier dough, you can add 50 g of chopped nuts or almonds to the dough.
- Vegan Option: If you want a vegan version, you can replace the lard with refined coconut oil and the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds and water (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, left to sit for 15 minutes).
- Storage: The tart keeps well at room temperature for 1-2 days, or you can freeze it to enjoy later.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of caramelized apple tart contains approximately 300-350 calories. Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, beneficial for health. Homemade lard provides healthy fats that support energy and cellular health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with peaches, plums, or cherries, adjusting the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits.

2. How can I make the dough less crumbly?
Make sure not to overmix the dough and use room temperature ingredients to avoid it cracking.

3. Can I add nuts or hazelnuts?
Absolutely! Nuts add a crunchy texture and pleasant flavor. Add them to the apple filling or the dough.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking and enjoy the delicious aroma of this caramelized apple tart! Enjoy your meal!

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Dessert - Apple Pie by Carolina C. - Recipia

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