Apple pie

The aromatic apple pie is a classic recipe that brings a touch of nostalgia in every slice. This delicacy has a tender crust and a delicious filling of caramelized apples, perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a dessert after a family dinner or as a snack alongside a cup of tea, this pie will delight your taste buds and bring smiles to your face. Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 7 tablespoons milk
- 7 tablespoons sugar
- 7 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or olive)
- 1 egg
- 400 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vinegar

For the apple filling:
- 1 kg apples (choose sweet and aromatic apples for the best flavor)
- 200 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- Cinnamon to taste (I recommend using freshly ground cinnamon for an extra flavor)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the filling:
- Start by peeling the apples and cutting them into cubes. This is an essential step as the apples will cook more evenly.
- In a pan, add the apple cubes along with the sugar and vanilla sugar. Sauté them over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples become soft and the liquid evaporates. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the apples are ready, remove the pan from the heat and add the rum essence and cinnamon. Mix well to combine the flavors. Let the filling cool while you prepare the dough.

2. Preparing the crust:
- In a bowl, combine the milk, oil, and sugar. Heat the mixture over low heat until it starts to boil, then let it cool slightly.
- Add the egg, the baking soda mixed with vinegar, and the flour. Mix well until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts. This will form the base and the top of the pie.

3. Assembling the pie:
- Grease a baking tray (28 cm x 22 cm) with butter and flour. Roll out the first part of the dough in the prepared tray, ensuring it reaches the edges.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough. Then, roll out the second part of the dough and cover the filling. Seal the edges to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

4. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Place the tray in the oven and let the pie bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden and nicely browned.
- After baking, let it cool completely in the tray before cutting it. This step is crucial for obtaining nice, well-defined portions.

5. Serving:
- Once the pie has cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar for an attractive appearance. Serve it plain or alongside a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Practical Tips

- Choosing apples: Opt for sweeter apples like Golden Delicious or Fuji to avoid having to add too much sugar to the filling.
- Vegan option: You can replace the egg with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water, left to sit for 15 minutes.
- Customization: Add nuts or raisins to the apple filling for an extra texture and flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This apple pie contains a good amount of fiber from the apples, which aids in digestive health. Additionally, the oil used provides healthy fats, and the egg offers essential proteins. One serving (approximately one slice) has around 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Yes, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits.

- How can I store the pie?
Keep the pie covered in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

Serving Recommendations

This apple pie pairs wonderfully with herbal tea or a dry white wine. For an extra treat, add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top or serve with vanilla ice cream on the side.

I wish you to enjoy every slice of this aromatic apple pie! It is a simple and delicious recipe, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Let your imagination soar and customize the recipe to your taste!